Pumpkin patch linked to E. coli that sends 3 children to intensive care

Three children are in intensive care with E. coli infections as health officials investigate a possible link to a California pumpkin patch that closed days before Halloween.

Five cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection have been confirmed, potentially originating from Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo, according to an Oct. 27 advisory issued by the San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Health.

The suspected exposure period is October 16-26.

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Health officials advise anyone who visited the pumpkin patch between these dates to monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms.

Three children are in intensive care with E. coli infections as health officials investigate a possible link to a California pumpkin patch that closed days before Halloween. (Getty Images)

“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 news release.

“We encourage anyone who may have been exposed and has symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection to seek medical attention immediately.”

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Typical symptoms of E. coli include cramping, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and signs of dehydration, which usually begin within three to 10 days of exposure.

Young children under 10 are generally at greatest risk for complications, which can include hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that damages blood cells and can lead to kidney failure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“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 news release. (iStock)

Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease physician and founder of the Wellness Equity Alliance in California, warned that diarrhea can lead to dehydration and fatigue.

“The diarrhea is really the key thing here, as well as the stomach cramps,” he told Fox News Digital.

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Evans said young children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable, emphasizing the need to closely monitor children under 5 years old.

Typical symptoms of E. coli include cramping, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and signs of dehydration, which usually begin within three to 10 days of exposure. (iStock)

Speaking generally about potential exposure routes in pumpkin patches, Evans said E. coli can spread when bacteria from fecal matter reaches someone’s mouth.

He highlighted potentially contaminated food or water, contact with animals and person-to-person transmission as possible transmission routes.

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Evans also noted that not all E. coli bacteria cause illness. The cases confirmed in this investigation involve Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.

“One of the most effective ways to prevent this is to wash your hands,” the doctor added.

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The farm voluntarily closed as a precaution while investigators work to identify the source of the infections, determine whether the cases are related and assess whether others may be at risk, according to the county health department.

Brookshire Farms told Fox News Digital it is reserving comment pending testing results from the county health department.