Local
Petting zoo shut as Will County probes five E. coli cases tied to farm visits
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen remains open while the Will County Health Department investigates five confirmed STEC cases that may be connected to visits there. The farm’s petting zoo is closed, and officials have not identified where or how people became infected.
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen is continuing to welcome visitors while the Will County Health Department investigates five confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli that may be linked to visits at the farm.
The petting zoo is the only part of the southwest suburban attraction that remains closed. The farm said it received approval from the health department to keep operating; rides, attractions, food stands and vendors are open during regular hours.
Health officials said the people who became ill had visited the farm earlier this month, but have not determined how or where the infections occurred. The farm said it was arranging for its animals to be tested as part of the investigation into possible sources of exposure.
STEC can spread through contaminated food or water, contact with animals or contaminated surfaces, or contact with an infected person, according to the health department. The investigation is ongoing.
The farm previously asked anyone who became ill after visiting on or before Sept. 29 to complete a confidential health department survey. It said the petting zoo would remain closed as a precaution while officials work to establish whether there is a connection.