San Luis Obispo County Public Health is investigating an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections suspected to be linked to visits to Brookshire Farms, a pumpkin farm in San Luis Obispo, California. In an October 30, 2026, update, the county reported five laboratory-confirmed E. coli O157 infections and eight additional illnesses under investigation among people who visited the farm between October 16 and 26, 2026.
Three patients have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that can cause kidney failure. The county also reported that one additional patient had been hospitalized and released. Earlier in the investigation, a county spokesperson said three children were seriously ill and receiving pediatric intensive care. Officials have not identified whether the HUS patients are the same children previously reported in intensive care.
Brookshire Farms remains closed and is cooperating with health officials. Investigators have not identified the specific source of contamination. Pritzker Hageman is following the investigation and providing updates about the Brookshire Farms E. coli outbreak in San Luis Obispo County.
What health officials have reported so far
The county’s investigation includes:
- Five laboratory-confirmed E. coli O157 infections.
- Eight additional illnesses under investigation involving visitors with symptoms consistent with STEC infection. These have not been identified as laboratory-confirmed cases.
- Three patients who developed HUS, along with a separate report of one additional patient who was hospitalized and released.
- A suspected exposure period of October 16 through 26, 2026.
- The continued precautionary closure of Brookshire Farms while the investigation proceeds.
According to October 28 news reports, the five initially confirmed patients included two adults and three children, all of whom had visited Brookshire Farms. The three children were hospitalized in serious condition and receiving pediatric intensive care. Health officials have not provided an update on their conditions.
Environmental testing has also been conducted at Brookshire Farms, according to an October 31 report in The San Luis Obispo Tribune. The results have not been publicly released, and investigators have not identified a specific source of contamination. Health officials have not determined that pumpkins caused the infections. Food Poisoning Bulletin has also reported on the Brookshire Farms E. coli outbreak.
If you visited Brookshire Farms and got sick
San Luis Obispo County Public Health is asking anyone who visited Brookshire Farms between October 16 and 26 and subsequently developed symptoms of E. coli infection to contact a healthcare provider and mention the visit. Symptoms often begin three to five days after exposure but can take as long as 10 days to appear.
Anyone experiencing bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration should seek prompt medical attention. Health officials also encourage people contacted during the investigation to cooperate with requests for information. Visitors who have no symptoms do not need to take additional action beyond remaining alert for symptoms, according to the county.
STEC symptoms and the risk of HUS
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, vomiting, and sometimes fever. Symptoms typically develop three to five days after exposure, although the incubation period for E. coli can be as long as 10 days. According to the CDC, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of infection.
Three patients in the Brookshire Farms outbreak have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication of STEC infection that damages red blood cells and the kidneys. Children under 10 are at the highest risk of complications, according to San Luis Obispo County Public Health.
Warning signs of HUS can include:
- Decreased urination or little to no urine output
- Unusual fatigue, weakness, or irritability
- Pale skin, particularly in the cheeks or lower eyelids
- Unexplained bruising or small red spots on the skin
- Blood in the urine
- Decreased alertness
HUS is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Patients may need hospitalization, blood transfusions, or kidney dialysis. Severe cases can cause kidney failure and permanent kidney damage, sometimes requiring ongoing medical care.
How E. coli can spread at farm attractions
STEC can spread when people swallow the bacteria through contaminated food or water or transfer germs from their hands to their mouths after touching contaminated surfaces. Contact with animals or animal environments can also transmit the bacteria, as can person-to-person spread when proper handwashing is not practiced. Some farm animals, including cattle, goats, and sheep, can carry STEC without appearing sick.
These are general transmission routes, not findings about what happened at Brookshire Farms. Officials have not established whether animals, food, water, surfaces, or any particular activity played a role in this outbreak. E. coli outbreaks involving petting zoos and animal attractions have occurred at farms, fairs, and other public attractions, including a Minnesota State Fair E. coli outbreak that resulted in 11 illnesses and one case of HUS.
Thorough handwashing with soap and water is an important way to reduce the risk of infection. Wash hands after touching animals, fences, animal environments, produce, or potentially contaminated surfaces, and before eating. The CDC’s guidance for animal exhibitors recommends handwashing facilities at exits, including facilities accessible to children, and separation of eating areas from animal areas.
Questions about a serious E. coli illness
An E. coli lawsuit may provide a way to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term complications when evidence establishes legal responsibility for an infection. Medical records, laboratory results, public health findings, and evidence of contamination can all play an important role in establishing a claim.
Pritzker Hageman’s Bad Bug Law Team represents people nationwide who have suffered serious foodborne illnesses. The firm’s E. coli lawyers investigate sources of infection, identify potentially responsible parties, and pursue compensation for those affected. Additional developments in this and other investigations are covered in the firm’s E. coli outbreak news.
