One Death Reported in E. Coli Outbreak Linked to California Pumpkin Farm

Outbreak and Death

San Luis Obispo County health officials confirmed Tuesday that one person associated with an E. coli outbreak linked to Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo has died. Officials have not released the person’s age or identity.

The death follows confirmation of five cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection, potentially originating from Brookshire Farms, according to an advisory issued by the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department.

"We can confirm that one individual associated with the E. coli outbreak has died. We are sharing this information with the permission of the individual’s family," Tom Cuddy, public information officer for the department, said in a statement to The Tribune of San Luis Obispo on Nov. 10.

Investigation and Findings

The health department said an additional 10 individuals who visited the farm between Oct. 16 and Oct. 26 and developed symptoms have been deemed "suspect cases." Officials said five people contracted E. coli after visiting the farm on Oct. 17 or 18.

Tests of water, food and other samples from the farm found some bacteria, including other E. coli strains, but did not detect the strain responsible for the outbreak, officials said. People who became ill shared possible exposures to corn cups, pumpkins, hay and water not intended for drinking, but officials could not pinpoint the source.

No farm animals or petting zoos, which are known to be common sources of this type of infection, were accessible to visitors or operating at the farm.

Investigators faced several limitations, including numerous possible sources, items no longer available for testing and delays between exposure and sampling. No further environmental testing is planned, according to the report.

"Based on the findings of our investigation, we believe the risk of additional exposure associated with this incident has passed, and there is no longer an ongoing public health threat," said County Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin.

Health Impact

Three children developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that damages blood cells and can lead to kidney failure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Typical symptoms of E. coli include cramping, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and signs of dehydration, which usually begin within three to 10 days of exposure. Young children under 10 are typically at the highest risk for complications.

The outbreak prompted Brookshire Farms’ temporary closure during peak pumpkin season. The city of San Luis Obispo had canceled its annual Pumpkin Smash event scheduled for Nov. 1 over concerns about the outbreak.

Sources

• foxnews.com: E coli outbreak linked to California pumpkin farm turns deadly | Fox News
• latimes.com: One dead in E. coli outbreak linked to California pumpkin farm - Los Angeles Times
• nypost.com: E. coli outbreak linked to California pumpkin farm turns deadly
• mezha.net: One person dies in E. coli outbreak linked to California pumpkin farm
• foodsafetynews.com: One death reported in relation to pumpkin patch outbreak in California | Food Safety News
• tippinsights.com: One Dead In E. Coli Outbreak Linked To California Pumpkin Farm

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