Cases of E. coli may be linked to Bengtson pumpkin farm, Will County health officials say

WILL COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) — Five cases of E. coli may be linked to visits to Bengtson Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen, the Will County Health Department said.

“The Will County Health Department is committed to conducting 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. As a precaution, the farm has voluntarily closed its petting zoo and is conducting animal testing. These steps are part of our broader investigation as we look into all possible sources of exposure.”

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Health officials said symptoms of infection with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or STEC can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which can be bloody), and vomiting. Some people may have a low fever or no fever at all. Symptoms begin one to ten days after exposure, but usually develop within three to four days.