Health officials provide update on E. coli investigation at Chicago-area pumpkin farm

Will County health officials collected about 200 surveys over the weekend as they continue investigating five confirmed cases of E. coli potentially linked to visits to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen.Pumpkin farm E. coli investigationThe surveys are being reviewed by communicable disease staff at the Will County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health. Officials will follow up with people as needed, according to Kevin Juday, communications program manager and public information officer for the Will County Health Department.People who visited the farm and experienced symptoms are still encouraged to complete the health department’s confidential survey to help investigators determine how the infections occurred.A veterinarian collected samples from various animals at the farm, while Will County Health Department environmental health staff collected samples of bedding materials and surfaces, Juday said.The samples were being transported to the Illinois Depart