The Will County Health Department is investigating five confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC, that may have been connected to patrons who visited Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen in the past month.
The Health Department was made aware of five cases of people who became ill and were confirmed to have the pathogen, officials said.
Four of the affected people were hospitalized, said Kevin Juday, spokesman for the county’s Health Department. Three of them have since been released from the hospital, and the fourth individual’s status was not known Friday afternoon, he said.
The people ranged in age from 4 to 38 and were from DuPage, Kane, Cook and Will counties. During an interview process, they were all found to have frequented the pumpkin farm, said Sean Conners, director of environmental health for Will County.
Will County was contacted by health departments in other counties and the Illinois Department of Public Health after the affected people tested positive for the pathogen.
E. coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of people and animals. Most types are harmless, but some, including STEC, can cause illness, the health department said. STEC can spread through contaminated food or water, contact with animals or contaminated surfaces, or contact with an infected person.
Symptoms of STEC infection may include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, which may be bloody, and vomiting. Some people may experience a low fever or no fever at all. Symptoms begin one to 10 days after exposure but typically develop within three to four days, according to the Will County Health Department.
Young children, particularly those under 5, are at greater risk of developing a rare but serious condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause kidney damage, Conners said. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems may also be at greater risk of serious illness, Conners said.
“This pathogen is a serious pathogen,” he said.
The Health Department is working to identify how the infections occurred and whether there is a common source.
Not all of the individuals may have frequented the pumpkin farm on the same day. The investigation takes into consideration any dates visitors went to the pumpkin farm from Sept. 29 to the present, Conners said.
Bengtson’s closes for the season Nov. 8.
Conners said Bengtson’s ownership is cooperating with the investigation.
“They’ve been very cooperative, very good open communication,” Conners said.
The Health Department does not regulate pumpkin farms in general, but it does handle all issues related to food safety and food permits.
The investigation is not ruling anything out, including whether the pathogen is linked to the petting zoo or food service, Conners said.
As a precaution, the farm voluntarily closed its petting zoo and is arranging for animal testing, he said.
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“Animals can carry E. coli bacteria even when they appear healthy, but animal contact is not the only way these bacteria can spread,” Conners said. “E. coli can also spread through contaminated food, water or surfaces.”
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm owner Scott Bengtson released a statement saying the farm was contacted Oct. 21 about the five cases of E. coli illnesses.
“Our first thoughts are with those who are sick and their families, and we hope for their full and quick recovery,” the statement said. “Testing is still under way, and no source of these illnesses has been confirmed.”
The farm closed its petting zoo “out of an abundance of caution,” and it will remain closed until further notice, the statement said.
“On Oct. 21, health officials inspected our food service areas and food vendors and found no problems,” the statement said. “We have arranged for a veterinarian to collect samples from our animals and are working with the health department on that testing.”
“The health and safety of our guests, our staff, and our animals has been our priority since 1981,” the statement said. “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.”
Health Department officials said they chose to release information about the individuals who became ill to encourage others to seek medical treatment if necessary. Conners said the department does not want anyone to delay medical treatment.
Officials say anyone who recently visited Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm and develops symptoms of STEC infection should contact their healthcare provider, particularly if they experience bloody diarrhea or severe stomach cramps. The department also urges individuals to seek immediate medical attention for signs of dehydration, decreased urination or unusual tiredness.
As part of its ongoing investigation, the Health Department is asking anyone who experienced diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting or other symptoms of gastrointestinal illness following a visit to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm on or after Sept. 29 to complete a confidential online survey at redcap.link/PumpkinFarm.
The information collected will help better understand the reported illnesses and identify possible sources of exposure, officials said.
The Health Department recommended several steps to prevent the spread of E. coli, including washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals or their environment; washing hands before preparing or eating food and after using the bathroom or changing diapers; and avoiding touching the mouth after activities where exposure to bacteria may occur.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.