Farm Reopens as County Ends E. Coli Investigation

Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo County reopened its pumpkin patch after a 10-day closure following an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that sickened 15 people: five confirmed cases and 10 suspected cases. Three children developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can damage the kidneys and other organs. County officials have concluded their investigation and say there is no ongoing public health threat, but they did not identify the source; environmental testing did not detect the outbreak strain, and no further testing is planned. All confirmed patients had visited the farm on Oct. 17 or 18, and genetic testing linked three patients’ bacterial strains, suggesting a common source. Investigators noted shared exposure to edible corn cups, pumpkins, hay and non-potable water, but none was established as the cause. The farm’s co-owner said the outbreak and closure had been deeply distressing for his family.