E. Coli Spreads Person to Person at SLO Preschool

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — San Luis Obispo County health officials confirmed one new case of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection spread person to person at a preschool in San Luis Obispo, and the patient is recovering at home after hospitalization, the Department of Public Health announced.

Read the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Public Health release: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/slo-health/public-health/department-news/one-new-shiga-toxin-producing-e-coli-case-confirmed-following-person-to-person-exposure

The Department of Public Health issued the update on Saturday, November 14, 2026, according to the release.

The case is one of person-to-person transmission identified at a preschool in San Luis Obispo, officials reported.

The preschool was not named in the release.

The patient did not visit Brookshire Farms, according to the release.

A Secondary Case, A Hospital Stay, A Recovery at Home

The individual developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication of STEC infection, and was hospitalized, officials reported.

The individual is now recovering at home, according to the release.

The Department of Public Health was notified by the individual's medical provider, officials reported.

The county Public Health Laboratory confirmed the infection was caused by E. coli O157, according to the release.

The case is thought to have been exposed through secondary, person-to-person transmission from one of the five previously identified primary cases of E. coli O157 associated with Brookshire Farms, officials reported.

"Since the transmission is thought to have occurred at the school, families were notified, thorough cleaning protocols were initiated, and the affected classrooms will be closed on Monday," said County Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin.

"The preschool has been working collaboratively with Public Health," Dr. Mulkerin said.

A Serious Complication, The Symptoms to Watch, Who Faces Greater Risk

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection that can cause damage to the kidneys and other organs, according to the release.

It occurs most often in young children, officials reported.

Symptoms of E. coli infection can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, which may be bloody, vomiting and, in some cases, fever, according to the release.

Young children under age 5, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of serious complications from E. coli infections, officials reported.

Classrooms Closed Monday, Prevention Steps, What Happens Next

The affected classrooms will be closed on Monday, November 16, 2026, according to the release.

Public Health reminded community members to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, handling animals, and before preparing or eating food, officials reported.

The department also advised washing fruits and vegetables before eating them, keeping raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods, avoiding untreated water, and avoiding unpasteurized milk and juices, according to the release.

Anyone experiencing bloody diarrhea or severe abdominal cramps should contact a healthcare provider right away, officials said.

Parents and caregivers should seek medical attention promptly if a child develops concerning symptoms, particularly bloody diarrhea or signs of dehydration, according to the release.

More information about Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections is available from the California Department of Public Health.

Sources

County of San Luis Obispo Department of Public Health, "One New Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli Case Confirmed Following Person-to-Person Exposure," Official News Release, November 14, 2026: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/slo-health/public-health/department-news/one-new-shiga-toxin-producing-e-coli-case-confirmed-following-person-to-person-exposure