Five confirmed E. coli cases are under investigation in Illinois after health officials identified a possible connection to visits to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen. The cases involve people between the ages of 4 and 38, raising concerns during one of the busiest periods for pumpkin patches and family fall activities.
The Will County Health Department believes potential exposures occurred after September 29, 2026. Investigators are examining whether contact with animals at the farm’s petting zoo may have contributed to the illnesses, although the source of the infections has not been confirmed.
The farm remains open while the investigation continues. Its petting zoo was closed at the time of reporting, and health officials planned to collect samples from the animal area on Monday, October 26.
Health officials are investigating the petting zoo
Sean Conners, director of environmental health services for the Will County Health Department, told ABC7 Chicago that exposure to animals can be a source of E. coli bacteria.
The department is investigating five confirmed infections, with patients ranging from young children to adults.
Conners warned that the strain involved can be particularly dangerous for young children.
Visitors who develop diarrhea, fever, or reduced urination after visiting the farm are urged to contact a medical provider.
Reduced urination can indicate dehydration or a serious complication, making prompt medical attention important.
Investigators have not established whether the infections originated from the animals, contaminated surfaces, or another source.
The planned environmental sampling may help determine whether the petting zoo played a role.
The pumpkin farm remains open during the investigation
Farm owner Scott Bengtson confirmed that the business is cooperating with the health department.
He said officials first contacted him on Wednesday and that employees were carrying out cleaning and sanitizing procedures.
The farm also has hand sanitizer stations and signs reminding visitors about handwashing.
One longtime visitor, Meghan Daly-Hart, told ABC7 Chicago that her family noticed the petting zoo was closed during their visit.
According to her account, staff explained that the animals were resting.
Health officials have not advised closing the entire farm. Other activities remain available while investigators examine the possible exposure.
Visitors are encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water after contact with animals or their surroundings and before eating. Hand sanitizer alone is not a substitute for handwashing after animal contact.
The investigation remains open, and no confirmed source of the five E. coli infections had been announced as of the October 24 report.
Source: ABC7 Chicago (WLS), October 24, 2026 — E. coli cases possibly linked to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm, Will County health officials say.
Leave a Reply