UPDATE (7:24 a.m.) – The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department provides new information on an E. coli outbreak investigation. coli at Brookshire Farms.
Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of E. coli O157 in patients associated with the outbreak.
The farm says all tests and environmental samples taken there have been negative for the outbreak strain. Health officials say this is not unexpected, since contamination can be temporary and difficult to detect.
Other types of E. coli and coliform bacteria have been found in some environmental samples, according to public health, but officials say those results do not establish the source of the infections.
Brookshire Farms is now inviting the community to pick up free pumpkins, saying thousands are available.
The farm announced it would reopen Friday at 11 a.m. after closing as a precaution before Halloween due to the E. coli outbreak. coli.
The investigation includes five laboratory-confirmed cases and eight additional cases under investigation. All involve people who visited the farm between October 16 and 26, according to the Ministry of Health.
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ORIGINAL STORY: Following a voluntary closure by Brookshire Farms amid an investigation into an E. coli, the Los Osos farm will reopen on Friday, November 6.
The initial closure and investigation came after several residents reported symptoms following visits to the farm’s pumpkin patch.
However, according to an Instagram post made by the farm on November 5, recent testing and environmental samples taken from the farm came back negative for the outbreak strain of E. coli. coli.
Since pumpkins have always been safe, the farm is giving residents another chance to collect a pumpkin and giving away thousands of pumpkins for free.
In its message, Brookshire Farms also wanted to thank the community for their recent support and kind messages during the shutdown.
The farm will open on November 6 at 11 a.m.
For the original story on the E. coli in the region, click here.
Gn Health
