E. coli cases linked to Longview pumpkin patch
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LONGVIEW, Wash. — Health officials in southwest Washington are investigating one confirmed case and another probable case of E. coli-related illness in children who visited a pumpkin patch and petting zoo.
Cowlitz County health officials say two children became ill after visiting the Willow Grove Gardens Pumpkin Patch and petting zoo in Longview earlier this month.
Laboratory results confirmed the bacterial infection in one child, while results are pending in the other case. One child was hospitalized for several days but is now recovering.
E. coli is a bacterial infection that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that may be bloody. Health officials say farm animals can carry E. coli and children and adults can get the infection simply by petting the animal or having other contact that exposes them to animal feces.
Pumpkin patch owner Mike McKee said he bought and new hand-washing station and put up new signs encouraging kids and parents to wash their hands.
"I think we're doing all we can do," McKee said.
KATU's Dan Cassuto contributed to this story.
ATM with livestock is never a good idea.
 @Solipsist01 Unless you're a professional and the camera's are rolling.
What a Crappy deal:)
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a little poo with your pumpkin pie never hurt anyone!!!
I make it a point to wash my hands after fondling goats.
 @Solipsist01 Biting the testis off young sheep helps build our immune system, I recommend it to everyone. This is why I never get sick!
Did you know we all naturally have e.coli bacteria in our guts but at different levels?
@portlandborn83 did you know there are thousands of forms of coliforms and they are everywhere in our world. in the dirt we walk on- everywhere. yet only a few types can make a human sick
@portlandborn83...and did you know that when you smell a fart, your nose is actually detecting tiny little particles...essentially micro-turds floating through the air?
 @Solipsist01 I've thought about that lol.
 @Solipsist01 Most of the time when a woman farts, you can actually taste it! Women's fart's are the worse, I have to wear a 5 micron filter sometimes.
Don't pet the pumpkin's!
@swimbad Don't lick the Pumpkin's
mmmm... animal feces... reminds me of the presidential election.