A popular petting zoo and pumpkin farm has been shuttered following an investigation by an Illinois health department. As reported by People, five cases of E. coli may be linked to the locations.
The Will County Health Department, located in the northeastern part of the state, released a statement regarding the incident. There, they explained that laboratory tests linked Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen to Shiga toxin-producing bacteria.
"The Will County Health Department is committed to a thorough investigation to better understand how these infections occurred," the department wrote. "We are working closely with Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm, and the owners and staff have been fully cooperative."
They were keen to stress that the pumpkin farm and petting zoo "voluntarily closed" - and that they were arranging animal testing.
The health department continued by issuing an urgent warning for those who had recently visited the farm. "Anyone who has recently visited Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm and develops symptoms of STEC infection should contact their healthcare provider," they explained. They added people should be most concerned if they "experience bloody diarrhea or severe stomach cramps."
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What is the Dangerous Bacteria and Where Does it Come From?
The specific bacteria involved in the shuttering of the farm is E. coli, but, more specifically, STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli). This type of bacteria is even more dangerous than normal E. coli, as, per the CDC, the Shiga toxin can cause life-threatening complications in certain people.
The bacteria are found in the intestinal tracts of both people and animals. It can be spread through "contaminated food, water and surfaces, or through contact with infected animals or an infected individual."
Per the WCHD, "A person infected with STEC can experience symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting". They have advised people to seek "immediate medical attention" if they experience signs of dehydration, decreased urination, or unusual fatigue.
The onset of the symptoms could be anywhere between one and 10 days following exposure.
The health department added, "We encourage everyone to be aware of the symptoms... Remember that simple precautions, especially washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, can help prevent infection."
