A two-year-old boy has tragically passed away after contracting E.

coli bacteria while petting animals at the county fair in San Diego.

According to the grieving family, little Jedidiah King Cabezuela died only days after the family’s visit to the petting zoo where children are allowed to touch animals.

As one or more of the animals were infected with E. coli, however, four kids have fallen ill shortly after their visit.

While the zoo is still investigating the case and the exact source of contamination, reports have confirmed that all four children who have fallen sick had been in touch with the animals at the fair.

Following the tragic death of 2-year-old Jedidiah, the boy’s uncle spoke out and revealed that King had started experiencing severe stomach pain around four days after the visit to the zoo.

As Ed Sanford also confirmed in an interview with 10News, his nephew washed his hands thoroughly after petting the animals.

Nevertheless, he contracted E. coli and spent three days in the ER following his sudden hospitalization. Unfortunately, however, the boy’s kidneys failed and he passed away on June 24.

Following the tragic incident, fair officials have closed off all animal areas to the public while the investigation is on-going. The petting zoo, however, will remain open in the future.

“The family should not have to worry about that. You’re there to have a good time. This is just really, really sad,” Ed added.

E. coli bacteria thrive in the intestines of healthy animals as well as healthy people. The problems, however, can occur when one comes in touch with contaminated feces. This usually happens when eating polluted food or drinking contaminated water.

While infections can often be overcome without special treatment, sufferers might develop potentially deadly kidney failure in rare cases.

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