Three San Luis Obispo County children are in serious condition after contracting E. coli — and the county is investigating a local farm as a potential source.
On Tuesday, the SLO County Department of Public Health reported five total confirmed cases of E. coli throughout the county, potentially linked to Brookshire Farms, located at 4747 Los Osos Valley Road and best known for its 57 years of corn mazes, pumpkin patches and other fall-themed activities.
Public Health Public Information Officer Tom Cuddy confirmed that three of those cases were children who are in “serious condition and receiving pediatric intensive care,” he told The Tribune.
The county declined to provide further information about the children or where they were being treated.
The suspected exposure period at Brookshire Farm is Oct. 16–26, and the source of the infection is still under investigation, a Public Health news release said.
The county initially reported a shorter exposure period, but updated the correct week-long period in a message Thursday evening.
Brookshire Farms, located on Los Osos Valley Road at the edge of San Luis Obispo city limits, sells pumpkins and a harvest of gourds, squash, fruits and vegetables. It has a corn maze with 3 miles of trails, play areas for children, hay rides and more. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Anyone who visited Brookshire Farms between those dates and is experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms — usually cramping, abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea — should contact their healthcare provider, Public Health advised.
Children under the age of 10 are at highest risk of having complications.
“We are working diligently to identify the source of these infections to protect the health of our community,” County Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin said in the release. “We encourage anyone who may have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms consistent with E. coli infection to seek immediate medical attention.”
According to the release, Brookshire Farms is cooperating with Public Health and closed voluntarily while the investigation proceeds.
Public Health is also gathering information, investigating potential exposures and conducting follow-up activities to determine whether the cases are connected, the release said.
E. coli infections can cause diarrhea, severe stomach cramps and vomiting. Some infection scan lead to serious complications, including kidney damage.
“Anyone experiencing bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration or other concerning symptoms should seek medical attention,” the release said.
Brookshire Farm posted on Facebook Tuesday that it was temporarily closed, and co-owner Shawn Callaway told The Tribune that their thoughts and prayers were with those who were affected.
An aerial view shows the corn maze at Brookshire Farms on Los Osos Valley Road near the edge of San Luis Obispo’s city limits. Brookshire Farm sells pumpkins and a harvest of gourds, squash, fruits and vegetables. The farm also offers 3 miles of trails, play areas for children, hay rides and more. Photo courtesy of Brookshire Farms
This story was originally published October 27, 2026 at 3:41 PM.
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Libbey is the North County reporter for The Tribune, also covering wine, agriculture and tourism. She previously reported for New Times SLO after graduating with a master of public administration from the University of Utah in 2024. In her free time, you can find Libbey training for her first full marathon or watching reality TV with friends.