Hong Kong Center for Health Protection is investigating a suspected food poisoning outbreak involving 39 people who ate at a hotel on July 7.

The patients, aged six to 80, developed diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting after the buffet dinner, but their symptoms were generally mild.

Nineteen sought medical treatment and are now in stable condition while a 38-year-old man was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital, according to government sources.

The center believes this may be a bacterial food poisoning outbreak and more affected people may be found as the investigation proceeds.

Officers are interviewing and examining the victims. Further investigations are in progress to determine the number affected, and confirm the outbreak source.

There is an increased risk of food poisoning outbreaks in the hot season, as bactera multiply faster in higher temperatures, the center said.

Source: Xinhua