Health · STEC investigationHomer Glen E coli investigation: 5 confirmed infections, petting zoo closedAired October 24, 2026 at 12:45 PM UTCWritten October 24, 2026 at 12:48 PM UTCRead the write-upThis storyTranscript · LOADING0:07Five people developed toxin-producing E.0:09coli infections after visiting the same pumpkin farm.0:12Bankson's pumpkin farm in Homer Glen has voluntarily closed its petting zoo.0:17The rest of the farm remains open, while health officials investigate a possible0:21connection to those illnesses.0:23Investigators still need to determine whether the five infections share a source and0:27whether the farm is involved.0:29The five patients live across Will, DuPage, Cook, and Kane counties.0:33All attended events at the farm in Homer Glen.0:35That shared visit history gives investigators a place to examine, but it doesn't0:39tell them where anyone picked up the bacteria.0:41Laboratory tests confirmed Shiga toxin-producing E.0:44coli, often shortened to STEC.0:46Most E.0:46coli bacteria live harmlessly in the intestines of people and animals.0:50This type can cause severe illness.0:52Investigators are examining exposure histories alongside plans for animal testing.0:56The farm says county officials contacted it on October 21st about people who had1:01visited earlier that month.1:02It says it closed the petting zoo immediately.1:05By October 23rd, the animal attraction was closed until further notice.1:09Visitors were still arriving that Friday evening, about a week before Halloween.1:14The pumpkin patch and other attractions continued operating.1:17The season was expected to end in the first week of November.1:20The farm said its first thoughts were with the patients and their families.1:23The farm says health officials inspected its food service areas and vendors on1:27October 21st and found no problems.1:30It also says it arranged for a veterinarian to collect animal samples.1:34Investigators are still examining possible exposure routes.1:37The operator says safety has been a priority since 1981.1:41It describes staff always present in the petting zoo, daily pen cleaning, and hand1:46washing sinks at the entrance and exit.1:48Co-owner Scott Bengston says the attraction is more than a decade old and had never1:53had an animal-related issue like this.1:55Healthy-looking animals can carry E.1:56coli.1:57Sean Connors, the county's environmental health director, says his team is also2:01considering food, water, and the wider environment.2:03The department initially focused on food because it issues the farm's food permit.2:07STEEC can also spread through contaminated surfaces or contact with an infected2:12person.2:12Connors says the farm's owners and staff have been fully cooperative.2:15The closure is a precaution while investigators examine those possibilities.2:19Animal testing results and a confirmed source haven't been announced in this2:22investigation as of October 24th.2:24The county wants to hear from people who became ill after visiting on or after2:27September 29th.2:28Its confidential survey covers diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, or other2:32gastrointestinal symptoms.2:34You don't need a laboratory confirmed diagnosis to respond.2:37The survey is available through the health department's official notice, with no end2:41date specified.2:43September 29th marks the visit window investigators want to hear about.2:46It doesn't identify when contamination began.2:49Symptoms can start 1 to 10 days after exposure, most commonly within 3 to 4 days.2:54Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop after a recent visit, especially2:58bloody diarrhea or severe cramps.3:00Mention the visit, seek immediate medical attention for dehydration, decreased3:04urination or unusual tiredness, completing the survey doesn't replace medical care.3:08Vomiting is another possible symptom, and fever may be low or absent.3:13Most people recover within a week.3:15But children under five face particular risk from hemolytic uremic syndrome or HUS,3:19a rare complication that can damage the kidneys.3:22Older adults and people with weakened immune systems also face greater risk of3:25serious illness.3:26Sandra Eskin, who leads the nonprofit Stop Foodborne Illness, suggests families can3:31enjoy animals without touching or petting them.3:33These health risks apply generally to stack infections.3:36Officials haven't released the five patients' individual outcomes.3:39Wash thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals or anything in their3:42environment, before eating or preparing food, and after bathroom use or diaper3:46changes.3:46Keep hands away from your mouth until they're washed.3:49If you have diarrhea or other illness symptoms, avoid preparing food for others3:52until at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.Explore with HeyDexFollow via RSSThe shortThe short ↗