Long Beach, California, has declared a public health emergency in response to an outbreak of tuberculosis.
In a statement from Dr. Anissa Davis, Long Beach’s health officer, it was reported that one person has died and nine others have been hospitalized, as reported by Live Science.
As of April 29, authorities have identified fourteen individuals with active TB. All cases have been traced back to a single-room-occupancy hotel. Officials have chosen not to disclose the name of the hotel, citing efforts to safeguard the privacy of the patients.
“People who were staying at the hotel at the time or could have otherwise been exposed have been or will be contacted by the Health Department,” a Health Department statement said.
“Through the course of this investigation, staff have identified approximately 170 people who have likely been exposed to TB,” the statement said.
The emergency declaration, issued on Thursday, is anticipated to be approved by the Long Beach City Council on Tuesday, as reported by Newsweek.
The declaration grants the Health Department the authority to implement broader intervention measures.
Tuberculosis cases are on the rise in California. In 2023, the state reported a 15 percent increase in TB cases compared to the previous year, as per the Los Angeles Times. This marks the highest year-over-year surge since 1989, according to the state’s Department of Public Health.
According to Live Science, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis can remain inactive in a person’s body, often without displaying any symptoms. However, between 5 percent and 10 percent of individuals carrying the bacteria eventually develop active TB.
“The outbreak is currently isolated to a distinct population,” the Health Department statement said.
“The population at risk in this outbreak has significant barriers to care, including homelessness and housing insecurity, mental illness, substance use and serious medical comorbidities,” it said.
Tuberculosis spreads from person to person through airborne particles, typically requiring prolonged exposure to someone with active TB. It is most contagious in environments with poor ventilation.
“You can catch tuberculosis if someone is coughing or sneezing or in close contact, the bacteria from those particles gets into the air and anybody nearby will breathe that in — and that’s how they pick it up, and that’s how they catch it,” Dr. Janette Nesheiwat of New York City said, according to Fox News.
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