Petting Zoo Closed After E. Coli Investigation At Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm

HOMER GLEN, IL — The Will County Health Department is investigating five confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli that might be connected to visits to Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen, the department shared in a news release.

The health department is working to identify how the infections occurred and whether there is a common source for the five laboratory confirmed cases.

“The Will County Health Department is committed to 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 arranging for animal testing. These steps are part of our broader investigation as we look at all possible sources of exposure.”

Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm shared a statement with Patch, saying it was contacted on Oct. 21 about the five cases and that the people affected had visited 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," Scott Bengtson shared in a statement. "We are cooperating fully with public health officials. On Oct. 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," Bengtson said. "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 Sept. 29) to complete the Will County Health Department’s confidential survey."

E. coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of people and animals, according to the health department. Most types are harmless, but some, including STEC, can cause illness. STEC can spread through contaminated food or water, contact with animals or contaminated surfaces, or contact with an infected person, the health department said.

Symptoms could include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and vomiting, the health department said. Some people may experience a low fever or no fever at all. Symptoms begin one to ten days after exposure but typically develop within three to four days.

Most people recover within a week, but some infections can lead to serious complications, according to the health department.

Young children, particularly those under age five, are at greater risk of developing a rare but serious condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney damage, the health department said. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems may also be at greater risk of serious illness.

“Animals can carry E. coli bacteria even when they appear healthy, but animal contact is not the only way these bacteria can spread,” said Conners. “E. coli can also spread through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. We encourage everyone to be aware of the symptoms and remember that simple precautions, especially washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, can help prevent infection.”

The health department advises the following to help prevent the spread of E. coli:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals or anything in their environment. Avoid touching your mouth or eating until you have washed your hands after animal contact.
• Wash hands before preparing or eating food and after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
• Avoid touching your mouth or eating before washing your hands after activities where exposure to bacteria may occur.
• If you are experiencing diarrhea or other symptoms of illness, avoid preparing food for others until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

Anyone who has recently visited Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm and develops symptoms of STEC infection should contact their healthcare provider, particularly if they experience bloody diarrhea or severe stomach cramps, the health department said. You should seek immediate medical attention for signs of dehydration, decreased urination, or unusual tiredness.

The Will County Health Department is also asking anyone who experienced diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, or other symptoms of gastrointestinal illness following a visit to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm (on or after Sept. 29) to complete a confidential online survey.

Visitors to Bengtson's who experienced symptoms can complete the survey here: https://redcap.link/PumpkinFarm.