A public health emergency has been declared in Southern California following a tuberculosis outbreak that resulted in one death and hospitalizations of nine others.
The outbreak is centered around a single-room occupancy hotel in Long Beach, although officials have chosen not to disclose the specific location.
As of the latest update on Monday, 14 cases have been confirmed, with an additional 170 individuals identified as likely exposed, according to the tuberculosis control staff of the health department. These individuals are currently undergoing or will undergo screening, including chest x-rays, blood and skin tests, and symptom evaluations.
In response to the localized outbreak, City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis declared a local public health emergency on Thursday, aimed at enhancing the city's preparedness and response.
Authorities stress that the risk of exposure to the general public is minimal, as the outbreak primarily affects a specific population facing significant healthcare barriers, such as homelessness, housing insecurity, mental illness, substance abuse, and serious medical conditions.
It's important to note that the hotel where the outbreak occurred is not under quarantine and remains open, according to Long Beach health officials.
While the exact date of the first recorded case is yet to be confirmed, it aligns with a statewide increase in tuberculosis cases. California saw a 15% rise in cases in 2023 compared to the previous year, as reported by the state Department of Public Health in March.
Tuberculosis is a fully preventable and treatable disease, yet it claims the lives of at least 1.3 million people annually, making it the deadliest infectious disease. Symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, swollen glands, headaches, and body aches.
The disease primarily spreads through the air when an infected person coughs up bacteria that are then inhaled by others. However, effective vaccines, testing, and treatments are available for prevention and management.
Scientists are currently developing a new blood test that could identify millions of individuals unknowingly spreading tuberculosis, potentially making it harder to contract the disease.
Several factors contribute to the current rise in TB cases, including economic disparities and interruptions in monitoring, prevention, and treatment efforts during the Covid pandemic.