Tuberculosis is a disease that is spreading rapidly in Long Beach, with health officials raising concerns about an outbreak at a local hotel. The city has declared a public health emergency following the detection of 14 tuberculosis cases at a single-room occupancy hotel. Nine people have been hospitalized, and one person has died as a result of the outbreak.
Dr. Anissa Davis, Long Beach’s health officer, made the declaration last week, with officials noting that the outbreak is isolated to a specific population. This population faces challenges such as homelessness, housing insecurity, mental illness, substance use, and serious medical conditions, making it difficult for them to access care. At least 170 more people have likely been exposed and are being tested.
Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other organs. The disease spreads through the air from person to person, especially in small, enclosed spaces. Not everyone who is infected with TB bacteria becomes sick, but symptoms may include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, weight loss, chills, fever or night sweats.
The Long Beach health department has not disclosed the date of the first recorded case of tuberculosis. Public health officials are working to contain the outbreak and provide care to those affected. Anyone who may have been exposed is encouraged to seek testing. The outbreak highlights the need for better access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations and underscores the importance of addressing social determinants of health such as housing insecurity and mental illness in order to prevent future outbreaks.