1 Dead In E. Coli Outbreak Linked To CA Pumpkin Patch Where Multiple Kids Fell Ill

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA — One person has died in connection with an E. coli outbreak linked to a popular California pumpkin patch that left three children seriously ill, according to reports.

The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department confirmed the death Tuesday, though officials did not disclose the person's age or other identifying information, The San Luis Obispo Tribune reported.

“We can confirm that one individual associated with the E. coli outbreak has died,” county Public Health spokesperson Tom Cuddy told the Tribune in a statement. “We are sharing this information with the permission of the individual’s family.”

Five people were confirmed to have contracted Shiga toxin-producing E. coli after visiting Brookshire Farms on Oct. 17 or 18, according to county health officials. Three children developed a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome and required intensive care, the Tribune previously reported.

County officials also identified 10 additional suspected cases among people who visited the farm between Oct. 16 and 26.

Brookshire Farms, a San Luis Obispo County destination known for its pumpkin patch, corn maze and other seasonal attractions, temporarily closed as health officials investigated the outbreak.

In a Nov. 6 update, the county announced that investigators were wrapping up their investigation after failing to identify the exact source of the E. coli bacteria.

Testing of food, water and other environmental samples collected at the farm did not detect the specific E. coli O157 strain responsible for the illnesses.

However, genetic testing of samples from three patients found matching bacterial strains, suggesting the infections originated from a common source, according to the health department.

Investigators identified several possible sources of exposure, including edible corn cups, pumpkins, hay and non-potable water, but could not determine which, if any, caused the infections.

“Although it’s frustrating to not be able to pinpoint the exact source of the infection through environmental lab testing, this is not unexpected, and bacterial contamination is often temporary and difficult to detect through available sampling methods,” County Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin said in the Nov. 6 update.

Officials said at the time that the risk of additional exposure had passed and there was no longer an ongoing public health threat. Brookshire Farms reopened Nov. 6, KSBY reported.

Farm co-owner Shawn Callaway previously told the Tribune that he and his wife were devastated by the outbreak.

“Our hearts go out to the families, the kids, the adults,” Callaway told the newspaper.

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and, in some cases, kidney failure. Young children face an elevated risk of serious complications.

Health officials encourage anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical care.

California has seen similar E. coli outbreaks linked to agricultural attractions, including at the San Diego County Fair in 2019 that sickened at least 11 people and killed a 2-year-old boy. All of those infected had visited areas with farm animals or had other animal contact at the fair, prompting officials to close its livestock exhibits and petting zoo. However, investigators never definitively identified the source of the bacteria.

In 2005, six children contracted E. coli in an outbreak investigated by Fresno County health officials. Nearly all had contact with animals at the Big Fresno Fair, where authorities examined possible exposure at the petting zoo and livestock pavilion, the Los Angeles Times reported.