One person has died amid an E. coli outbreak linked to Brookshire Farms, a pumpkin farm in California’s San Luis Obispo County, health officials confirmed Tuesday. The person’s age and identity were not released.

The death follows confirmation of five cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection potentially originating from the farm, according to an advisory from the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department.

“We can confirm that one individual associated with the E. coli outbreak has died. We are sharing this information with the permission of the individual’s family,” department public information officer Tom Cuddy told The Tribune of San Luis Obispo in a Nov. 10 statement.

“This is truly a heartbreaking development, and our thoughts are with the family and everyone affected by this outbreak. The entire team at Public Health extends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

The health department said Nov. 6 that 10 additional people who visited the farm between Oct. 16 and Oct. 26 and later developed symptoms had been classified as “suspect cases.”

Investigators tested water, food and other samples collected from the farm. Tests found some bacteria, including other strains of E. coli, but did not detect the strain responsible for the outbreak, officials said.

People who became ill reported several possible exposures, including corn cups, pumpkins, hay and water that was not intended for drinking. Officials were unable to identify the outbreak’s precise source.

No farm animals or petting zoos were accessible to visitors or operating at Brookshire Farms. Such settings are known to be common sources of this type of infection, according to the report.

The investigation encountered several limitations. Officials cited the number of possible sources, delays between exposure and sampling, and the fact that some items were no longer available for testing.

No additional environmental testing is planned. County Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin said officials believe the risk connected to the incident has ended.

“Based on the findings of our investigation, we believe the risk of additional exposure associated with this incident has passed, and there is no longer an ongoing public health threat,” Mulkerin said.

She also offered condolences to the affected families and thanked those who helped protect the community during the outbreak response. Mulkerin encouraged residents to continue practicing proper handwashing and food safety.

Typical E. coli symptoms include cramping, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Symptoms usually begin within three to 10 days following exposure, according to the information provided.

Children younger than 10 generally face the greatest risk of complications. Those complications can include hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that damages blood cells and can lead to kidney failure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease physician and founder of Wellness Equity Alliance in California, warned that diarrhea can cause dehydration and fatigue. “The diarrhea is really the key component here, and the stomach cramps,” he told Fox News Digital.

Evans said younger children and older adults can be particularly vulnerable. He emphasized the importance of closely monitoring children younger than 5 when symptoms or possible exposure raise concern.

Speaking generally about potential exposure at pumpkin patches, Evans said E. coli can spread when bacteria from feces reach a person’s mouth. Possible routes include contaminated food or water, animal contact and transmission between people.

Evans noted that not every strain of E. coli causes illness. The confirmed infections involved Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, the strain category identified in the county investigation.

The health department advised people to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after spending time outdoors or touching animals. It also recommended washing fruits and vegetables and keeping raw foods separate from other foods during preparation and storage.

Officials further advised anyone selling or providing food to the public to follow state and county health regulations.