Deadly Tuberculosis Outbreak Strikes California Homeless Hotel
In a distressing turn of events, a deadly outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) has emerged within a California hotel housing homeless individuals, claiming the life of one person and prompting city health officials to declare a public health emergency.
The concerning outbreak, unfolding at an undisclosed hotel, has infected 14 people, with nine requiring hospitalization, as announced by the Department of Health and Human Services for Long Beach on Thursday. The identity of the deceased individual remains undisclosed.
City officials emphasized that the outbreak is currently contained within a specific population, reassuring the public that the risk to the general populace is minimal.
“The outbreak is currently isolated to a distinct population and the risk to the general public is low,” city officials stated.
The affected population faces significant barriers to accessing care, including homelessness, housing instability, mental health challenges, substance abuse issues, and serious medical conditions.
In response to the escalating situation, a public health emergency was declared to bolster the city’s preparedness and response capabilities.
Approximately 170 individuals are believed to have been exposed to TB, prompting the Health Department to initiate screening efforts among contacts. Screening methods include symptom reviews, blood or skin tests, and chest X-rays.
The Health Department anticipates a rise in both case numbers and contacts, with active TB disease or latent TB infection prompting immediate treatment.
In adherence to patient privacy regulations outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the hotel’s name remains undisclosed. Notably, the facility is a privately operated hotel not affiliated with the City of Long Beach.
Tuberculosis, transmitted through airborne particles, primarily affects the lungs but can also target other organs such as the kidney, spine, and brain. While contagious, TB is not as readily transmissible as COVID-19.
Explaining the transmission dynamics, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a New York City-based double board-certified doctor, highlighted the risk associated with close contact, coughing, or sneezing in TB transmission.
The emergence of this TB outbreak follows a concerning trend, with U.S. tuberculosis cases in 2023 reaching the highest levels in a decade, according to the CDC. Reported cases surged from 8,320 in 2022 to 9,615 in 2023, reflecting an increase of 1,295 cases across all age groups.
With the trajectory of TB infections on the rise, vigilance and robust public health measures remain crucial in curbing the spread of this infectious disease.
