A popular suburban pumpkin farm could be the source of five recent confirmed cases of E. coli, officials said on Friday.
Will County Health Department said its investigating five confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC, that may stem from visits to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen.
“The Will County Health Department is committed to a thorough investigation to better understand how these infections occurred,” said Sean Conners, Director of Environmental Health at the Will County Health Department. “We are working closely with Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm, and the owners and staff have been fully cooperative.”
The farm closed its petting zoo as a precaution and is arranging for animal testing, according to Conners. The closure and testing are just two steps in a part of a “broader investigation as we look at all possible sources of exposure,” he added.
“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.
While most people recover within a week, it’s possible for infections to lead to serious complications — especially in kids under five and older adults or those with a weakened immune system, the health department said.
Hence then, the article about popular suburban pumpkin farm may be connected to 5 confirmed cases of e coli was published today ( ) and is available on NBC Chicago ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Popular suburban pumpkin farm may be connected to 5 confirmed cases of E. coli )
Also on site :
- ‘Bridgerton’ Breakout Hannah Dodd to Lead Lucas Jones’ Romantic Drama ‘Miss You Forever, Zara Drake’ (EXCLUSIVE)
- Before U2 Became Famous, Bono and The Edge Had Very Different Stage Names and Monty Python Was Involved
- 1966 Rolling Stones Song, Written on a Piano, Was Called the ‘Ultimate Freakout’ by Mick Jagger