Five confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC, are under investigation by the Will County Health Department, and officials say the infections may be connected to visits to Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen. The popular fall destination has voluntarily closed its petting zoo as a precaution while the source of the illnesses remains unconfirmed.
According to NBC Chicago, the health department is investigating the five confirmed cases that may stem from farm visits. Health officials are working to determine how the infections happened and whether they share a common source, according to the CBS News Chicago report on the investigation. As Patch reports, investigators are specifically examining whether there is a common source for the five laboratory-confirmed cases.
Farm Closes Petting Zoo, Arranges Animal Testing
Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm, located in Homer Glen, has a petting zoo that draws families during the fall season. The farm has voluntarily closed that attraction and is arranging for animal testing, per the same Patch report, which also notes the petting zoo was still listed as temporarily closed as of Friday afternoon while the rest of the farm remained open. Owners and staff have been fully cooperative with health officials throughout the process, the outlet notes.
Officials are asking anyone who developed gastrointestinal symptoms after visiting the farm on or after Sept. 29 to complete a confidential online survey, per the same account. Will County officials say the survey will help them better understand reported illnesses and identify possible sources of exposure.
What STEC Symptoms Look Like
E. coli is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of both humans and animals, and while most strains are harmless, some can cause illness. STEC infection can bring on severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, and vomiting, the Patch report states. Some people may experience only a low fever or no fever at all.
Symptoms can appear anywhere from one to 10 days after exposure but most commonly develop within three to four days, according to the same source. The health department advised people to seek immediate medical attention for signs of dehydration, decreased urination, or unusual tiredness. STEC can spread through contaminated food or water, contact with animals or contaminated surfaces, or contact with an infected person, officials noted. Young children, elderly people, and immunocompromised individuals are considered particularly vulnerable to severe illness from the bacteria.
Petting Zoos Under Scrutiny Elsewhere
Petting Zoos Under Scrutiny Elsewhere Bengtson's isn't the only seasonal attraction grappling with animal-contact illness concerns this year. The Arizona State Fair aimed to eliminate as many human-animal contact points as possible following a 2025 E. coli outbreak, while allowing guests to observe farm animals from a distance, according to azcentral.com. No confirmed source has been identified in the Will County cases, and the health department's investigation into Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm remains ongoing.
