3 deaths possibly linked to Thanksgiving meal in Northern California

ANTIOCH, Calif. -- A Thanksgiving dinner served to 835 people in Northern California may be linked to three deaths and several others becoming ill.

Contra Costa County health officials did not confirm whether the illnesses were directly caused by the Thanksgiving meal hosted by the Golden Hills Community Church, served at the Antioch American Legion Center in Antioch, California.

Officials said all eight patients lived at the same facility. Three died, five were hospitalized and one remained in hospital care.

During a press conference, Contra Costa health officials said some of the food was donated by volunteers, and some was cooked at the Golden Hills Community Center.

Officials said the dinner did not require a permit under California state law.

Officials were conducting tests on people to figure out what caused the illness.

An investigation was underway by Contra Costa Public Health and they did not believe the public was in any danger. They said it may take up to 10 days or more to find what caused the deaths and sickness.