Long Beach health officials have raised concerns about a tuberculosis outbreak at a local hotel. At least nine people have been hospitalized, and one person has died as a result of the outbreak. The city’s health officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, declared a public health emergency after detecting 14 cases of tuberculosis at a single-room occupancy hotel. The hotel has not been named to protect the privacy of those affected.
In a recent news release, Long Beach health officials stated that the outbreak is confined to a specific population and that the risk to the general public is low. The population affected by the outbreak faces significant barriers to care, including homelessness, mental illness, substance use, and other medical conditions. The city’s health department has identified an additional 170 people who may have been exposed to tuberculosis and are currently being tested.
Tuberculosis is a disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria primarily attack the lungs but can also affect other organs in the body. The disease is spread through the air from person to person and can be transmitted in enclosed spaces. Not everyone infected with tuberculosis bacteria becomes ill.
Symptoms of tuberculosis include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood or sputum, fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, and fever or night sweats. It is important for individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention promptly to receive appropriate treatment.