Three San Luis Obispo County children are in serious condition after contracting E. coli — and the county is investigating a local farm as a potential source.
On Tuesday, the SLO County Public Health Department reported five confirmed cases of E. coli. coli cases throughout the county, potentially linked to Brookshire Farms, located at 4747 Los Osos Valley Road and best known for its 57 years of corn mazes, pumpkin patches and other fall-themed activities.
Public Health Public Information Officer Tom Cuddy confirmed that three of those cases involved children “in serious condition and receiving intensive pediatric care,” he told the Tribune.
The county declined to provide further information about the children or where they were being treated.
The period of suspected exposure at Brookshire Farm was Oct. 16-26, and the source of infection remains under investigation, a Public Health news release states.
The county initially reported a shorter exposure period, but updated the correct one-week period in a message Thursday evening.
Anyone who visited Brookshire Farms between those dates and experienced gastrointestinal symptoms — typically cramping, abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea — should contact their health care provider, Public Health advised.
Children under 10 years of age are most at risk of complications.
“We are working diligently to identify the source of these infections to protect the health of our community,” Dr. Christy Mulkerin, county health officer, said in the release. “We encourage anyone who may have been exposed and has symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection to seek medical attention immediately.”
According to the release, Brookshire Farms is cooperating with public health and has voluntarily closed its doors while the investigation continues.
Public Health is also collecting information, investigating potential exposures and conducting follow-up activities to determine if the cases are related, the release said.
E. coli infections can cause diarrhea, severe stomach cramps and vomiting. Some infection tests lead to serious complications, including kidney damage.
“Anyone experiencing bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration or other concerning symptoms should seek medical attention,” the statement said.
Brookshire Farm posted on Facebook Tuesday that it was temporarily closed, and co-owner Shawn Callaway told The Tribune his thoughts and prayers were with those affected.
This story was originally published October 27, 2026 at 3:41 p.m..
Libbey Hanson
The Tribune
Libbey is the North County reporter for The Tribune, which also covers wine, agriculture and tourism. She previously worked for New Times SLO after earning a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Utah in 2024. In her free time, you can find Libbey training for her first full marathon or watching reality TV with friends.
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