Long Beach, California is facing a public health crisis as the City Council prepares to approve a public health emergency due to a recent outbreak of tuberculosis. The city’s health officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, declared the emergency last week after the health department discovered 14 cases of tuberculosis at a single-room occupancy hotel. The upcoming City Council vote will be the final step in officially declaring the emergency.
According to the health department, nine individuals with tuberculosis have been hospitalized, and sadly, one person has passed away as a result of the disease. As of Monday, approximately 175 people have been exposed to tuberculosis in connection with this outbreak. The health department highlighted significant barriers preventing those at risk from receiving adequate care, such as homelessness, housing insecurity, mental health issues, substance abuse, and other medical conditions.
Efforts are underway to test individuals who may have been exposed to the disease, with no new cases reported since last week. This outbreak of tuberculosis comes amidst a national uptick in cases, reversing a 27-year decline that began in 2020. In response to the emergency declaration, the Long Beach health department is mobilizing resources to facilitate screening and treatment for tuberculosis within the affected community.
Individuals experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable to tuberculosis due to various factors, including weakened immune systems from substance abuse, crowded living conditions facilitating the spread of the disease, and existing health conditions like diabetes, cancer, or HIV. Dr. Luke Davis, an expert in epidemiology, emphasized the importance of addressing socio-economic factors like poverty, limited access to nutrition, and inadequate healthcare facilities that contribute to the spread of tuberculosis among vulnerable populations.
While some experts are uncertain whether tuberculosis is genuinely becoming more prevalent or simply being diagnosed more frequently, there is a consensus that public health interventions are crucial to stemming the tide of the disease. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends proactive screening for individuals at higher risk of tuberculosis, including those in homeless shelters, correctional facilities, or with previous exposure from high-prevalence countries.
In conclusion, the outbreak of tuberculosis in Long Beach underscores the importance of proactive public health measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, especially among marginalized communities. As efforts continue to contain and treat tuberculosis cases in the area, the critical role of accessible healthcare services and community support in combating the disease remains paramount.