Long Beach, California – A public health emergency was declared in Long Beach, California, following a tuberculosis outbreak that resulted in one fatality and nine individuals being hospitalized. The outbreak originated from a group of people who had stayed together in a hotel room in the city.
Health officials reported that as of April 29, a total of 14 tuberculosis cases were linked to this outbreak, with nine requiring hospitalization and one resulting in death. Investigators estimated that approximately 170 people may have been exposed to the illness, prompting health officials to reach out to guests and individuals who were present at the hotel during the infected individuals’ stay.
Tuberculosis, a serious respiratory illness primarily affecting the lungs, is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Long Beach health officials emphasized that tuberculosis spreads easily in crowded environments and poses a higher risk to individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.
Symptoms of tuberculosis disease vary depending on the affected body part. Common signs include a persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, chills, fever, and night sweats. Treatment typically involves a prolonged course of antibiotics lasting six to nine months.
The city’s declaration of a public health emergency aims to enhance the Department’s ability to secure resources and implement measures to contain the outbreak. These measures include mobilizing city resources, expediting emergency planning, streamlining staffing, coordinating with other agencies, acquiring necessary supplies for diagnosis and treatment, and increasing public awareness about tuberculosis.
Although the risk of tuberculosis for individuals in Long Beach remains low, health officials anticipate a rise in the number of cases and contacts associated with the outbreak. Patient privacy regulations prevent the release of the hotel’s name, but health authorities continue to screen individuals linked to the outbreak and monitor the situation closely.
Individuals seeking more information on tuberculosis can visit the California Department of Public Health’s website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. The ongoing efforts to address the tuberculosis outbreak underscore the importance of proactive public health measures and community awareness in safeguarding against infectious diseases.