Public Health Emergency Declared in Long Beach, California
In a concerning development, Long Beach, California, is facing a public health emergency as health officials have declared an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB). Dr. Anissa Davis, the city’s health officer, made the declaration on Thursday, May 2, prompting the Long Beach City Council to consider formal approval next week.
The outbreak comes amidst a statewide uptick in TB cases across California. Last year saw over 2,100 active cases reported, marking a 15% increase from 2022 and signaling a return to pre-pandemic levels. Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can remain dormant in the body, potentially activating when the immune system weakens due to age or illness. Roughly 5% to 10% of carriers eventually develop active TB.
In the Long Beach outbreak, 14 cases of active TB have been identified as of April 29, with the source traced back to a single-room-occupancy hotel, though the hotel’s name has been withheld to safeguard patient privacy. Efforts are underway to contact individuals who may have been exposed, with approximately 170 people identified as potentially at risk.
The Health Department is actively screening those who may have been exposed, conducting tests and X-rays to assess symptoms and identify cases. Treatment is being provided for both active and latent cases, as both require antibiotics. However, while latent cases cannot spread TB, they pose a risk of developing into active disease and require prolonged treatment.
Given the scale of the outbreak and its impact on vulnerable populations, the Health Department has declared a public health emergency to expedite resource allocation and containment efforts. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the risk to the general public remains low, with TB primarily spreading through prolonged exposure in close, poorly ventilated environments.
It’s important to note that the affected population faces significant barriers to care, including homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, and underlying medical conditions like HIV infection. However, with concerted efforts and appropriate resources, the city aims to contain the outbreak and mitigate its impact on the community.
