Brookshire Farms closes after E. coli outbreak links to five cases

Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo County announced it will stay closed through the end of the pumpkin season while county health officials investigate five confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli linked to visits to the farm. The outbreak has resulted in three children being admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit, according to the county Department of Public Health.

The farm voluntarily shut its doors on Tuesday and on Wednesday said it would remain closed pending test results from the health department. "We are waiting on the test results from the county health department," the farm posted on social media. "Until then there is nothing to comment on. We have opted to remain closed for the remainder of the pumpkin season until test results have been determined."

County Health Officer Christy Mulkerin told KSBY that the strain can cause bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and in young children may lead to renal disease or kidney failure. She added that all five infected individuals had visited Brookshire Farms, though the exact source of contamination has not yet been identified. "We know that there’s a link that these people all went to Brookshire Farms but we’re still investigating exactly how they could’ve gotten sick," Mulkerin said.

Officials urged anyone who visited the pumpkin patch between Oct. 16 and Oct. 26 to monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms such as severe abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea, and to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms appear. The department also issued safety guidance for handling pumpkins, recommending thorough cleaning of pumpkins and any surfaces they touch with sanitizer or disinfectant, followed by hand washing with soap and water.

The investigation continues, with test results expected to take several days. Brookshire Farms said it is fully cooperating with authorities.