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E. coli outbreak linked to Calif. pumpkin patch sickens 5
SFGATE • • general
Key Points:
- At least five people, including three children, have been infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli after visiting Brookshire Farms pumpkin patch in San Luis Obispo County, prompting an ongoing public health investigation.
- Three children are hospitalized in serious condition in the pediatric intensive care unit, with symptoms including bloody stool, fever, and diarrhea.
- The farm is closed as officials work to identify the exact source of the infections, which likely occurred between October 16 and 26.
- Experts warn that antibiotics are not recommended for this type of E. coli infection due to the risk of releasing more toxin, and supportive care is the primary treatment approach.
- Cases of toxic E. coli infections in California have increased significantly from 500 in 2011 to 2,500 in 2023, possibly due to improved testing, though many cases may go unreported.
