Cases of E. coli may be linked to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen, Will County health officials say

HOMER GLEN, Ill. (WLS) — The Will County Health Department says up to five cases of E. coli may be linked to Bengtson Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen.

Health officials believe the exposures occurred after September 29. They urge visitors to monitor for symptoms and wash their hands.

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“Any exposure to animals can be a source of this type of bacteria,” Sean Conners, director of environmental health services for the Will County Health Department, told Eyewitness News.

Conners said this particular strain is particularly harsh on young children. The five confirmed cases involve people aged 4 to 38 years old.

“(If) if they have some of these symptoms, like diarrhea, fever or reduced urination…they should contact their doctor,” Conners said.

Investigators are now turning their attention to the petting zoo.

“You know what? This is our biggest disappointment. Every year we take photos there, and it was closed today,” visitor Meghan Daly-Hart told Eyewitness News.

Daly-Hart and her family have been coming to the farm for years. She said she saw a sign saying the petting zoo was closed.

“They didn’t do much when we came in. They said the animals were resting today,” Daly-Hart said.

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The Department of Health and owner Scott Bengtson confirmed the farm was fully cooperating.

“The safety of everyone who comes here is very important to us,” Bengtson told Eyewitness News. It always has been. »

Bengtson said the Department of Health first contacted him on Wednesday, adding that workers were cleaning and disinfecting.

“We have hand sanitizers there. We have all the signage about how important it is to wash your hands,” Bengtson said.

The farm remains open.

“They should go there and want to have a good time because I don’t think there’s any worries there. Go through the activities. But yeah, it’s a common sense approach here. If you have something on your hands, you know, even if you haven’t touched an animal, then you should wash them,” Conners said.

Department of Health staff will be at the petting zoo on Monday to collect samples.