Updated

Updated · Fox News · Oct 30

California Probes 5 E. coli Cases Tied to Pumpkin Patch as 3 Children Land in ICU

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Oct 30

California Probes 5 E. coli Cases Tied to Pumpkin Patch as 3 Children Land in ICU

Q: After visiting Brookshire Farms between Oct. 16 and 26, which symptoms should prompt urgent care before E. coli complications worsen?

Seek urgent medical care if, after visiting Brookshire Farms between Oct. 16 and 26, you develop bloody diarrhea, severe stomach or abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, dizziness, unusual sleepiness, or urinating much less than normal. Health officials in San Luis Obispo County said the most common warning signs of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli are cramping abdominal pain and diarrhea, especially when the diarrhea becomes bloody. Symptoms usually appear three to 10 days after exposure. Because this outbreak includes three children in intensive care, doctors are urging people not to wait if symptoms are severe. Reduced urination is an especially important red flag, particularly in children, because STEC can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a dangerous complication that can damage the kidneys. Other warning signs of that complication include extreme tiredness or irritability, unusual paleness, unexplained bruising or tiny red spots, blood in the urine, or decreased alertness. Those symptoms warrant emergency evaluation. Children under 10 are at the highest risk for complications, and young children under 5 and older adults are also especially vulnerable. Anyone who visited the farm during the exposure window and develops gastrointestinal symptoms should contact a healthcare provider promptly and mention the Brookshire Farms visit.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 30

Three children are in intensive care as San Luis Obispo County investigates five confirmed Shiga toxin-producing E. coli cases potentially linked to Brookshire Farms' pumpkin patch.
Oct. 16 to Oct. 26 is the suspected exposure window, and officials urged anyone who visited during that period to watch for gastrointestinal symptoms and seek care if sick.
Brookshire Farms voluntarily closed before Halloween while investigators trace the source, determine whether the cases are connected and assess whether more people may be at risk.
Young children face the highest risk of severe complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome and possible kidney failure; symptoms can begin three to 10 days after exposure.