An outbreak of undetermined nature is associated with the Jamestown New York McDonald’s restaurant at 2803 North Main Street Extension, according to the Chautauqua County Health Department. That establishment is located in Chautauqua County. At least 22 people are sick with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
The statement says that the illnesses are “potentially associated” with that restaurant. Christine Schuyler, County Public Health Director, said in a statement, “e are working diligently with the State Health Department and McDonald’s representatives to conduct a thorough epidemiological investigation into these illnesses. There is currently no identified source of these illnesses and there is no evidence that the illness can be spread from person to person.”
Those sickened state experiencing symptoms from August 4 through August 21, 2018. Public health officials have conducted interviews with 15 of the patients. All of them said they ate the breakfast sandwiches at that McDonald’s restaurant. The press release did not state whether or not anyone has been hospitalized in this Jamestown New York McDonald’s outbreak. There is no mention of patient age ranges.
Patient samples have been sent to the Wadsworth Center Laboratory in Albany, New York, for testing. Officials have also collected breakfast sandwiches that were sold at that McDonald’s location and have sent those samples to the lab. Many tests are pending, but “preliminary testing” has been negative, according to the press release.
These symptoms can be caused by many pathogens, including norovirus, Salmonella, and E. coli. We do not know what foods the investigation is focusing on, other than breakfast sandwiches. There is no indication that this outbreak is linked to the multistate Cyclospora outbreak ongoing at McDonald’s restaurants in the midwest.
McDonald’s is cooperating with this investigation and has temporarily closed the restaurant. The facility will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. In addition, food preparation and distribution processes are being rev viewed. The restaurant is also obtaining a fresh supply of ingredients before they restart operations.
