Will County investigating 5 cases of E. coli possibly linked to Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen

Will County health officials are investigating five cases at E. coli that may be linked to a popular pumpkin farm in Homer Glen, Illinois.

The Will County Health Department said they have confirmed five dases of Shinga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) that may be connected to Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm. They are still working to identify how the infections happened and whether they have a common source, officials said.

"We are working closely with Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm, and the owners and staff have been fully cooperative," health officials said. "As a precaution, the farm has voluntarily closed its petting zoo and is arranging for animal testing. These steps are part of our broader investigation as we look at all possible sources of exposure."

E. coli is a bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While most kinds are harmless, some – including STEC – can cause illness.

STEC spreads through contaminated food or water, contact with animals, contact with contaminated surfaces, or contact with another infected person.

Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Some people may experience a fever, others may have a low fever or no fever at all.

Symptoms can appear one to 10 days after exposure, but most commonly develop within three to four days.

Young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe illness from E. coli. 

Will County officials advised that anyone who visited Bengston's Pumpkin Farm on or after Sept. 29 and develops symptoms of E. coli infection should complete a confidential online survey to help the department better understand the reported illnesses and identify possible sources of exposure. 

Bengston's Farm released a statement on the situation Friday afternoon, writing in part, "Our first thoughts are with those who are sick and their families, and we hope for their full and quick recovery. Testing is still under way, and no source of these illnesses has been confirmed."

"Out of an abundance of caution, we closed our petting zoo as soon as we were contacted, and it will stay closed until further notice. The rest of the farm remains open. We are cooperating fully with public health officials," the statement continues.

Full Statement from Bengston's Pumpkin Farm

On October 21, the Will County Health Department contacted us about 5 cases of E. coli illness and told us that the people affected had visited our farm earlier this month. Our first thoughts are with those who are sick and their families, and we hope for their full and quick recovery.
Testing is still under way, and no source of these illnesses has been confirmed.
Out of an abundance of caution, we closed our petting zoo as soon as we were contacted, and it will stay closed until further notice. The rest of the farm remains open. We are cooperating fully with public health officials.
On October 21, health officials inspected our food service areas and food vendors and found no problems. 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 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.
Anyone who visited and has symptoms such as diarrhea (especially bloody diarrhea) or severe stomach cramps should contact their doctor and mention their visit. We encourage anyone who became ill after visiting (on or after September 29th) to complete the Will County Health Department's confidential survey at redcap.link/PumpkinFarm.
We will share more information as soon as we have it.