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18-month-old baby girl dies in SLO County CA E. coli outbreak
San Luis Obispo Tribune • • health
Key Points:
- An 18-month-old girl died from hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), following an outbreak linked to Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo.
- The toddler fell ill after visiting the farm in mid-October, was hospitalized for 10 days, and passed away on November 4, according to her grandmother.
- The outbreak sickened at least five confirmed cases and three children required intensive care, with additional suspected cases among visitors to the farm between October 16 and 26.
- Despite an extensive investigation, health officials were unable to identify the exact source of the E. coli O157 strain, though potential exposures included corn cups, pumpkins, hay, and non-potable water.
- Brookshire Farms expressed distress over the outbreak and emphasized their commitment to safety, while county health officials noted the challenges in detecting transient bacterial contamination.
