Three children are in intensive care with E. coli infections as health officials investigate a possible link to a California pumpkin patch that closed just 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 County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department.
The suspected exposure period is Oct. 16 through Oct 26.
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Health officials advise that anyone who visited the pumpkin patch between those dates should monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms.
“We are working diligently to identify the source of these infections to protect the health of our community,” said County Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin in the news release.
“We encourage anyone who may have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms consistent with E. coli infection to seek immediate medical attention.”
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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 typically at the highest 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.
Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease physician and founder of Wellness Equity Alliance in California, warned that diarrhea can lead to dehydration and fatigue.
“The diarrhea is really the key component here, and the stomach cramps,” he told Fox News Digital.
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Evans said younger children and older adults can be particularly vulnerable, emphasizing the need to closely watch children younger than 5.
Speaking generally about potential exposure routes in pumpkin patches, Evans said E. coli can spread when bacteria from feces reach someone’s mouth.
He pointed to potentially contaminated food or water, animal contact 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 confirmed cases in this investigation involve Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.
“One of the most effective ways that we can prevent this is washing your hands,” the doctor added.
The farm has voluntarily closed as a precaution while investigators work to identify the source of the infections, determine whether the cases are connected and assess whether others may be at risk, according to the county health department.
Brookshire Farms told Fox News Digital it was reserving comment pending test results from the county health department.