San Luis Obispo County, California — A popular pumpkin patch in California has announced an early closure for the remainder of the Halloween season after health officials linked five confirmed E. coli infections to visits to the farm. Three children infected in the outbreak have been hospitalized in serious condition in a pediatric intensive care unit.
Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo County decided to remain closed while local health authorities investigate the outbreak and await additional testing results. The closure has disrupted the farm’s remaining pumpkin season as officials work to determine how visitors may have been exposed to the bacteria.
The county’s Department of Public Health has also issued a warning to people who visited the property during the reported exposure period, urging them to watch for symptoms of E. coli infection.
Brookshire Farms Closes for the Rest of Pumpkin Season
Brookshire Farms initially closed voluntarily on Tuesday after concerns emerged about the potential outbreak. The following day, the farm announced that it would remain closed through the end of pumpkin season.
In a social media statement, the farm said it was waiting for test results from the county health department and would not have further information to share until those results became available.
The farm also confirmed its decision to remain closed for the remainder of the season while testing and the investigation continue. The owner of Brookshire Farms said the business is fully cooperating with the health department’s investigation.
Although the closure is intended to limit further potential exposure while officials examine the situation, investigators have not yet identified the exact source of the contamination.
Five E. Coli Cases Linked to Pumpkin Patch Visits
According to the San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Health, five confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) have been linked to visits to Brookshire Farms.
All five infected individuals had visited the pumpkin patch, creating a connection that investigators are now examining.
County Health Officer Christy Mulkerin told that the strain involved can cause bloody diarrhea and vomiting. In young children, the infection can lead to serious kidney complications, including kidney failure.
Three children were hospitalized in serious condition and required treatment in a pediatric intensive care unit.
Officials have not yet determined precisely how the individuals became infected or which specific activity, surface or potential exposure at the farm may have contributed to the outbreak.
Mulkerin said investigators know the affected individuals visited the same property but are still working to establish how the infections occurred.
Visitors Between October 16 and October 26 Urged to Watch for Symptoms
Health officials are particularly concerned about people who visited Brookshire Farms between October 16 and October 26. Anyone who visited during this period should monitor their health for possible symptoms of E. coli infection.
Common warning signs include:
- Severe stomach cramps or abdominal pain
- Diarrhea, which may become bloody
- Vomiting
- Other gastrointestinal problems
Symptoms typically develop three to 10 days after exposure, although the timing and severity can vary.
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Young children are especially vulnerable to complications from certain types of E. coli infections. In some cases, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can damage the kidneys and potentially lead to kidney failure.
Health Officer Christy Mulkerin urged anyone who may have been exposed and develops symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection to seek immediate medical attention.
Health Officials Share Pumpkin Handling Safety Advice
Alongside the outbreak investigation, the county health department has issued additional guidance for people who purchased or handled pumpkins during the fall season.
Officials recommend cleaning pumpkins before handling them to remove visible dirt and debris. After washing, people should thoroughly clean any surfaces the pumpkins touched using an appropriate sanitizer or disinfectant and allow those surfaces to dry.
The guidance is particularly important for families with young children, who may touch pumpkins and other farm-related surfaces before eating snacks or meals.
People planning to carve pumpkins should also take extra precautions.
Health officials recommend washing hands with soap and water after handling pumpkins, avoiding unnecessary contact with the pumpkin after carving and thoroughly cleaning surfaces that came into contact with the pumpkin before disposing of it.
These precautions can help reduce the risk of transferring potentially harmful bacteria from contaminated surfaces to hands, food or other household items.
Investigation Continues as Farm Awaits Test Results
The investigation into the Brookshire Farms outbreak remains ongoing. County officials are working to identify the precise source of the infections, while additional testing is expected to take several days.
For now, the pumpkin patch will remain closed for the rest of the season, and health authorities continue urging visitors from the October 16-26 period to remain alert for symptoms.
The five confirmed infections and the hospitalization of three children have raised concerns about potential exposure during seasonal farm activities, particularly those involving pumpkins and frequent contact with outdoor surfaces.
Officials are expected to provide further information as testing results become available.
Did you or your family visit Brookshire Farms between October 16 and October 26? Share this health warning with other families who may have visited the pumpkin patch, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
