For millions of families, a trip to the pumpkin patch is the penultimate fall adventure. Having bright orange pumpkins on the porch ready to carve for Halloween means fall has officially arrived. Less than an hour southwest of downtown Chicago, an Illinois county health department is investigating multiple cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), potentially linked to a pumpkin patch and petting zoo.
This strain of E. coli can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen shut down the petting zoo and will conduct testing on the animals to ensure safety for everyone.
E. coli lives in human and animal intestines.
Sean Conners, Director of Environmental Health at the Will County Health Department, shared in a news release that most forms of E. coli bacteria do not cause illness, but STEC is both serious and spreads easily.
“Animals can carry E. coli bacteria even when they appear healthy, but animal contact is not the only way these bacteria can spread,” Conners shared. “E. coli can also spread through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. We encourage everyone to be aware of the symptoms and remember that simple precautions, especially washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, can help prevent infection.”
Five laboratory samples tested positive for STEC.
Per the health department, after five samples tested positive for STEC, Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm responded immediately…