The County of San Luis Obispo Department of Public Health continues to investigate an outbreak of cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection suspected to be linked to an exposure at Brookshire Farms located at 4747 Los Oso Valley Road in San Luis Obispo.
The investigation includes five laboratory-confirmed cases of E. coli 0157 and eight cases under investigation involving people with symptoms consistent with STEC infection who visited the farm between October 16 and October 26. Three cases have developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). One additional case was hospitalized and released. The investigation remains ongoing.
Out of an abundance of caution, Brookshire Farms remains closed. The farm has been cooperative and continues to work in partnership with the County throughout the investigation.
“We appreciate Brookshire Farms’ cooperation as we continue working to understand the source of these infections and protect the health of our community,” said Public Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin in a news release. “We encourage anyone who visited the farm during the exposure period and develops symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection to immediately contact their health care provider.”
Symptoms of STEC infection, according to County Public Health, can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, vomiting and, sometimes, fever. Symptoms usually present 3-5 days after exposure but may take up to 10 days to appear. Children under the age of 10 are at highest risk of having complications.
According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), STEC can spread when people swallow the bacteria, often through contaminated food or water or by accidentally transferring germs from their hands to their mouths. The bacteria can also spread through contact with contaminated animals, animal environments or surfaces, as well as from person to person when proper handwashing is not practiced.
“People can become infected even when they do not realize they have come into contact with the bacteria,” Mulkerin said. “Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals, animal environments, produce or potentially contaminated surfaces—and before eating or preparing food — is an important way to reduce the risk of infection. The source on the farm of the infections associated with this investigation remains under investigation.”
Community members who visited the farm but are not experiencing symptoms do not need to take any action beyond remaining aware of potential symptoms and seeking medical care if symptoms develop. They should remain aware of potential symptoms and seek immediate medical advice if symptoms develop.
Pumpkin Safety Tips
Community members can take a few simple precautions to keep your family safe by following these pumpkin safety tips:
Clean before handling: Wash the pumpkin to scrub away dirt and debris, wash the pumpkin and any surfaces it has touched with sanitizer/disinfectant.
Carved pumpkins: Avoid further contact once carved. Clean any surfaces it touched when you discard it in a green waste bin.
Wash your hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling a pumpkin.
