The New York State Department of Health, working collaboratively with the Chautauqua County Health Department, is investigating reports of multiple illnesses potentially associated with the McDonald’s at 2803 N. Main Street Extension in Jamestown, Chautauqua County.
“We are working diligently with the State Health Department and McDonald’s representatives to conduct a thorough epidemiological investigation into these illnesses,” said Christine Schuyler, County Public Health Director. “There is currently no identified source of these illnesses and there is no evidence that the illness can be spread from person to person.”
Twenty-two (22) individuals reported common symptoms of nausea, vomiting or diarrhea from August 4-21. Through interviews conducted with 15 case patients, all individuals indicated they had eaten various breakfast sandwiches at the establishment. Additionally, patient samples as well as breakfast sandwiches prepared at the McDonald’s were sent to the Wadsworth Center, New York State’s Public Health Laboratory in Albany, for testing. While many tests are pending, preliminary testing has come back negative.
McDonalds is fully cooperating with this investigation and is readily following all recommendations of the State and County Health Departments while this investigation continues. The franchise owner is voluntarily implementing the following precautionary action items: temporarily closing the establishment to conduct a thorough cleaning of the food preparation area and all equipment, reviewing the food preparation and distribution process in conjunction with County staff, obtaining a fresh supply of ingredients prior to restarting food production, and conducting a follow up meeting with the Chautauqua County Health Department to ensure all recommendations were appropriately met.
No other McDonald’s locations are involved in this investigation.
Anyone who may have visited the McDonalds at 2803 N. Main Street Extension in Jamestown and experienced vomiting and/or diarrhea shortly after eating there between August 4 to today can contact the Chautauqua County Health Department at 716-753-4483 or email CCHEALTH@co.chautauqua.ny.us.