Another child was infected with a deadly strain of E. coli after being infected at a San Luis Obispo preschool by one of five primary cases involved in the initial outbreak that killed an 18-month-old girl.
The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department reported the case Saturday morning, saying the child was infected through person-to-person transmission and was hospitalized but is now recovering at home.
The child developed hemolytic uremic syndrome due to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, known as STEC or O157.
“The Department of Public Health was notified by the individual’s medical provider and our public health laboratory confirmed that the infection was caused by E. coli O157,” the agency said in a news release.
Public Health did not identify the preschool, but said it had been closed for complete disinfection and all families had been notified.
The new case comes after the death of an 18-month-old child and the hospitalization of two other children as part of the E. Shiga toxin-producing coli linked to Brookshire Farms. The outbreak sickened five people in total.
The preschooler did not visit the farm, Public Health said.
“As transmission is believed to have occurred at school, families have been notified, extensive cleaning protocols have been put in place and affected classrooms will be closed on Monday,” said Dr. Christy Mulkerin, county health officer. “The nursery school works in collaboration with public health. »
Hemolytic uremic syndrome – or HUS – is a potentially fatal complication of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection that can damage the kidneys and other organs. This occurs most often in young children.
Symptoms of STEC include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), vomiting and, in some cases, fever, Public Health said, warning that anyone experiencing bloody diarrhea or severe abdominal cramps should contact a health care professional immediately.
Young children under 5 years old, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of serious complications from E. coli infections.
How to prevent E. coli infections
Health and safety reminders to help prevent E. coli infections include:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, changing diapers, handling animals, and before preparing or eating food.
- Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
- Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods during preparation and storage.
- Avoid consumption of untreated water.
- Avoid unpasteurized milk and juices.
For more information about Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections, visit the California Department of Public Health website.
Public Health also shared a resource for parents of children who may be feeling stress or anxiety because of the recent outbreak: a free online parent support app for children ages 0 to 12 called BrightLife Kids.
This story was originally published November 14, 2026 at 10:49 a.m..
Joe Tarica is the editor of The Tribune in San Luis Obispo. He has served in a variety of newsroom roles since 1993, including as an editor, designer and award-winning columnist. A native of California, he has resided in San Luis Obispo County for over 35 years and is a graduate of Cal Poly.
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