A beloved suburban pumpkin farm released a statement hours after officials announced its petting zoo was shut down as fall festivities were just heating up because of a potential link to several recently confirmed cases of E. coli.
A potential connection between Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen and five cases of lab-confirmed Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC, is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Will County Health Department, officials said Friday.
The farm said it was contacted by the health department on Wednesday about the cases and was told the people who were infected had visited the farm earlier this month. After receiving the news, the farm closed its petting zoo.
“Testing is still under way, and no source of these illnesses has been confirmed,” the farm said in a statement. “Our first thoughts are with those who are sick and their families, and we hope for their full and quick recovery.”
The petting zoo will remain closed until further notice, the farm said, though the rest of the farm remains open. Health officials inspected the farm’s food service areas and “found no problems,” the farm said.
“The health and safety of our guests, our staff, and our animals has been our priority since 1981. The petting zoo has staff present at all times, handwashing sinks with running water, soap and towels at its entrance and exit, and pens that are cleaned daily,” the farm said in the statement.
In addition to closing the petting zoo, the farm is arranging for animal testing as a part of an investigation that aims to determine “all possible sources of exposure,” according to Sean Conners, Director of Environmental Health at the Will County Health Department.
“Animals can carry E. coli bacteria even when they appear healthy, but animal contact is not the only way these bacteria can spread,” said Conners. “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.”
STEC often spreads through contaminated food or water, or contact with animals, a contaminated surface or with someone who has it, according to the health department.
The hallmark symptoms are severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting and it’s possible to develop a low fever. They typically begin one to 10 days after a person is exposed but most often start within three or four days.
The farm also encouraged anyone who became ill after visiting on or before Sept. 29 to fill out the Will County Health Department’s confidential survey.
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