Overview
- Will County health officials confirmed five laboratory cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, which they disclosed Friday, and opened an investigation into whether visits to Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen are linked.
- As a precaution the farm voluntarily closed its petting zoo and is arranging animal testing while owners and staff cooperate with investigators.
- Anyone who visited Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm on or after Sept. 29 and later develops symptoms has been asked to complete a confidential online survey to help authorities identify common exposures.
- Health officials say STEC symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that can be bloody, and vomiting, with symptoms usually appearing within three to four days after exposure and higher risk of severe illness for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
- Investigators are working to determine how infections occurred and whether the cases share a common source, and the probe could lead to further testing, public warnings or changes in farm operations depending on findings.