Listeria Outbreak Linked To Tampa Restaurant: FL Department Of Health

TAMPA, FL — The Florida Department of Health has issued a public health advisory for a listeriosis outbreak associated with a restaurant in Tampa.

Epidemiologic data and laboratory evidence indicate China Buffet at 1245 E. Fowler Ave. is likely the source of the outbreak, the department said.

Five people are included in the outbreak, and four reported consuming food from the same restaurant between March and June.

The health department is investigating the outbreak in coordination with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

The DOH conducted environmental sampling at the restaurant during an initial assessment with DBPR, and the results identified the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes.

They have also conducted multiple onsite assessments and provided the restaurant with required remediation measures.

The agencies continue to work with the restaurant as the investigation continues.

Most people who consume food contaminated with listeria will not experience a serious illness, the health department said.

Listeria is most likely to cause illness in pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.

Those who ate at China Buffet between April 9 and June 28, and are experiencing symptoms, are advised to call their health care provider, officials said.

Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.

Listeria infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or a life-threatening infection in the newborn.

Symptoms of severe illness usually start one to four weeks after eating food contaminated with listeria but may start as early as the same day or as late as 70 days later, according to the advisory.