The McDonald’s Restaurant located at 2803 N. Main St. Ext. just outside Jamestown city limits. P-J photo by Eric Zavinski

The Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services has received many calls in response to the news Thursday of illnesses potentially associated with the McDonald’s Restaurant located at 2803 N. Main St. Ext., Jamestown.

As of Friday afternoon, public health nurses have interviewed 38 new individuals. Of those individuals, 28 are considered to be new cases. In total, the department is aware of 50 individuals who have reported common symptoms of vomiting and/or diarrhea after eating at the McDonald’s establishment on North Main Street from July 29 to Aug. 21.

While the cause of this illness has not been determined at this time, the epidemiological investigation is ongoing in conjunction with the state Department of Health and with McDonald’s representatives. 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.

There is no evidence that the illness can be spread from person to person. The McDonald’s establishment has been fully cooperative, and remains voluntarily closed to clean and comply with all Health Department recommendations as of 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24.

Among items that will be addressed are “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,” the county said in a statement Thursday.

Anyone who may have visited the McDonalds at 2803 N. Main St. Ext., Jamestown, and experienced vomiting and/or diarrhea shortly after eating there between July 29 and Aug. 21 can contact the Chautauqua County Health Department at 753-4483.

The department’s email is CCHEALTH@co.chautauqua.ny.us.