HealthThursday, November 12
A baby goat is the likely source of the E. coli outbreak tied to Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm
The Daily Naperville team
If you visited Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen last month, there's an update. The Will County Health Department says advanced DNA testing found a close genetic link between bacteria from people who got sick and bacteria from a baby goat at the petting zoo. Several animals tested positive for STEC, but only the goat's bacteria closely matched.
7laboratory-confirmed STEC cases linked to the farm
Two more cases were confirmed after the health department reviewed its survey responses.
Sources: 1340 WJOL, ABC7 Chicago
The count grew after 270 people answered the department's health survey. Another 159 were classified as probable cases: a link to the farm and symptoms, but no lab test. ABC7 Chicago reports the farm closed its petting zoo during the investigation, and Telemundo Chicago says Bengtson's closed for the season Nov. 8. Officials also reviewed the farm's food service and found no concerns.
Survey responses outnumber probable and confirmed cases
Sources: 1340 WJOL, Telemundo Chicago
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Survey responses | 270 |
| Probable cases | 159 |
| Confirmed cases | 7 |
- Symptoms: severe cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, low fever or none
- Timing: most often three to four days after exposure
- Most people recover within a week
- Children under five face higher risk of rare, serious HUS
Feeling sick? Call a healthcare provider. And we suggest washing your hands after touching animals.
Sources: 1340 WJOL, ABC7 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago