Five people are tied to a listeriosis outbreak in Hillsborough County, and Florida health officials say China Buffet in Tampa is the likely source.
Laboratory and epidemiologic evidence linked the restaurant to the cases after four of the five reported eating there between March and June; environmental sampling found the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes.
Florida DOH and the state business regulator have made multiple onsite visits, ordered remediation measures and said they are continuing to work with the restaurant during the investigation.
Health officials urged anyone who ate at China Buffet between April 9 and June 28 and has symptoms to contact a provider, noting severe illness can emerge from the same day to 70 days after exposure.
Listeria infections are usually most dangerous for pregnant women, adults 65 or older and people with weakened immune systems, with pregnancy cases risking miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn infection.