A possible E. coli outbreak at Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo, California has been reported by the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Public Health. Five people have been diagnosed with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections. The suspected exposure period is October 16, 2026 through October 26, 2026. The notice did not say what may have caused these illnesses; it could be exposure to animals or contaminated food. Other outbreaks connected to farms are typically attributed to contact with animals, especially ruminant animals, which can carry E. coli bacteria in their systems.
County Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin said in a statement, “We are working diligently to identify the source of these infections to protect the health of our community. We encourage anyone who may have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms consistent with E. coli infection to seek immediate medical attention.”
We do not know the patient age range or whether or not anyone has been hospitalized. That would likely depend on if anyone has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure. It usually takes three to five days, up to 10 days, after exposure for the symptoms of this infection to manifest.
The farm is cooperating with Public Health and has closed voluntarily while the investigation is being conducted. Public health officials are gathering information, investigating potential exposures, and conducting follow-up activities to determine whether or not the cases are connected.
Anyone who visited Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo between October 19 and 26, 2026 and is experiencing the symptoms of an E. coli infection or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), should see a doctor as soon as possible. Children are most likely to suffer from HUS.
