San Luis Obispo County Public Health Confirms Five Cases of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. Coli Connected to Local Farm
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – Five cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. Coli) infections have been confirmed by local health officials and an ongoing investigation has linked the infections to a local farm.
According to the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Public Health, an investigation narrowed the suspected exposures to between Oct. 16 and Oct. 18 of this year at Brookshire Farms.
The local farm, which hosts a variety of community events including a pumpkin patch and corn maze, is cooperating with public health officials shared the local health department.
As a precaution, Brookshire Farms voluntarily closed as officials conduct their investigation noted the San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Health.
Anyone who visited Brookshire Farms at 4747 Los Osos Valley Road, between Oct. 16 and Oct. 18 and is experiencing notable gastrointestinal symptoms -including cramping, abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea- should contact their healthcare provider advised the countywide public health agency.
Children under the age of ten are at the highest risk of having complications from the infection, shared the Department of Public Health, and people contacted by public health investigators are asked to cooperate with requests for more information.
"We are working diligently to identify the source of these infections to protect the health of our community," explained County Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin. "We encourage anyone who may have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms consistent with E. coli infection to seek immediate medical attention."
Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli is one of four recognized groups of Escherichia coli that can cause diarrhea in humans who usually end up with the infection after eating or drinking contaminated food or water details the National Institute of Health.
The toxin derives its name from renowned Japanese microbiologist Kiyoshi Shiga.
The California Department of Public Health notes that the number of Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli infections have had an increase in recent years, from around 500 infections confirmed in 2011 to more than 2,500 confirmed cases in 2023.
E. Coli infections can cause diarrhea, severe stomach cramps and vomiting and some infections can lead to more serious complications including kidney damage stated the San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Health.
According to the local public health agency, its investigation remains ongoing and more information will be shared with the public once confirmed.
Infections are often connected to spending time near farm animals and the state's public health agency urges people to not eat, drink, touch your mouth or face, nor put anything into your mouth before washing your hands after coming into contact.
For more information about local resources in San Luis Obispo, visit here.
