A North Texas mother is urging parents to take extra precautions this Halloween season after her infant daughter was hospitalized with a salmonella infection believed to be linked to pumpkin exposure during daycare activities.
Briana Robertson says her four-month-old daughter Kehlani fell critically ill after participating in two separate pumpkin-related activities at her daycare. During one session teachers placed pumpkin seeds and pulp inside a Ziploc bag for the children to interact with.
Within days of the second activity Kehlani developed alarming symptoms. Robertson described her daughter as lethargic and turning purple and said the baby refused to eat or drink.
The infant became severely dehydrated and medical staff at an Athens emergency room made 15 attempts to successfully place an IV line. After multiple tests doctors confirmed Kehlani had contracted a salmonella infection most likely connected to the pumpkin.
Robertson said the diagnosis came as a shock because pumpkins are not commonly associated with salmonella in the way other produce items are. A recent outbreak in France was also linked to pumpkin seeds highlighting the lesser-known risk.
Dr. Zachary Stone a primary care provider with Children’s Health explained how the contamination likely occurred. He said salmonella bacteria live on the outer rind of a pumpkin and when the rind is cut the bacteria can transfer directly into the pulp.
Once the pulp is exposed any infant who touches it and then puts their hands or a toy near their mouth faces a significant risk of infection. Stone stressed that raw produce of any kind always carries some level of bacterial risk.
To reduce the danger Stone recommends scrubbing pumpkins thoroughly with hot water and a produce brush before handling them. Consistent and thorough handwashing before and after contact with raw pumpkins is also essential especially around young children and infants.
Robertson said her family is now reconsidering how they participate in fall traditions a year after Kehlani’s frightening ordeal. She is sharing her daughter’s story publicly in hopes of preventing another family from going through the same experience.
“Even if it changes one person’s mind that’s like one baby saved from possibly going through the same thing my daughter went through” Robertson said. Parents of young infants are encouraged to consult their pediatrician about safe ways to engage in seasonal activities involving raw produce.