Continuing story · 1 report

Will County STEC cases possibly linked to Bengtson's

Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm has closed its animal attraction while officials investigate five STEC infections. A shared visit history is established; a common source is not.

First aired October 24, 2026 at 12:45 PM UTCLatest aired October 24, 2026 at 12:45 PM UTC

DevelopingNext check Oct 25: Check for official case-count changes, animal-sampling or laboratory findings, source determination, and changes to the closure or visitor guidance.

Explore with HeyDex

Follow via RSS

Story trackerDay 1

1 report8 outlets12 sources

No dated events yet

Update 1Oct 24 12:45 UTCPetting zoo closes as five E. coli infections prompt Homer Glen investigation

The story so far

Update 1Oct 24 12:45 UTC
Petting zoo closes as five E. coli infections prompt Homer Glen investigation
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm has closed its animal attraction while officials investigate five STEC infections. A shared visit history is established; a common source is not.

History

Oct 24 UTC
Opened1 report

Who's involved

Organizations

STOP Foodborne IllnessAmerican public health organization1 report

Places

Bengtson's Pumpkin FarmBengtson's Pumpkin Farm, Homer Glen, IL 60491, United States of America1 report
Cook CountyCook County, IL, United States of America1 report
DuPage CountyDuPage County, IL, United States of America1 report
Kane CountyKane County, IL, USA1 report
Will CountyWill County, IL, United States of America1 report

Every outlet we read on this story

12 sources8 outlets

CBS Chicagocbsnews.com2
1. First reported Oct 23 17:30 UTC
2. 5 E. coli cases might be linked to Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen, IllinoisOct 23 UTC
3. Will County investigating 5 cases of E. coli possibly linked to Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm in Homer GlenOct 23 UTC
NBC Chicagonbcchicago.com2
1. First reported Oct 23 17:35 UTC
2. Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm may be linked to 5 confirmed E. coli casesOct 23 UTC
3. Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm addresses potential link to E. coli casesOct 23 UTC
The Bold News - News around worldtheboldnews.com2
1. First reported Oct 23 17:26 UTC
2. Petting Zoo Closed After E. Coli Investigation At Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm - The Bold NewsOct 23 UTC
3. E. coli cases possibly linked to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm, Will County health officials say - The Bold NewsOct 23 UTC
willcountyhealth.org2
1. Will County Health Department Investigating E. coli Cases Possibly Linked to Local Pumpkin Farm
2. Will County Health Department News & Events
ABC7 Chicagoabc7chicago.com1First
1. First reported Oct 23 17:25 UTC
2. E. coli cases possibly linked to Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen, Will County health officials sayOct 23 UTC
FOX 32 Chicagofox32chicago.com1
1. First reported Oct 23 17:26 UTC
2. Popular Chicago-area pumpkin farm investigated over ...Oct 23 UTC
Marler Blogmarlerblog.com1
1. First reported Oct 23 22:23 UTC
2. Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm E. coli Outbreak: Five Sick ...Oct 23 UTC
Shaw Localshawlocal.com1
1. First reported Oct 23 18:30 UTC
2. E. coli cases may be traced to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer GlenOct 23 UTC