In recent news, Long Beach health officials have raised concerns about a tuberculosis outbreak at a local hotel. At least nine people have been hospitalized and one person has died due to the outbreak. The city’s health officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, declared a public health emergency after detecting 14 cases of tuberculosis at a single-room occupancy hotel.
The hotel has not been named to protect the privacy of those affected by the outbreak. However, health officials have stated that the outbreak is confined to a specific population and that the risk to the general public is low. Those affected by the outbreak face significant barriers to care, including homelessness, mental illness, substance use, and other medical conditions.
Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily attacks the lungs but can also affect other organs in the body. The disease is spread through the air from person to person and can be transmitted in enclosed spaces. Not everyone infected with tuberculosis bacteria becomes ill.
Symptoms of tuberculosis include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood or sputum, fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, and fever or night sweats. It is important for individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention promptly to receive appropriate treatment. The city’s health department has identified an additional 170 people who may have been exposed to tuberculosis and are currently being tested for the disease.
In conclusion, while there are concerns about a tuberculosis outbreak in Long Beach at a single-room occupancy hotel, it’s important for individuals experiencing symptoms of this disease to seek medical attention promptly so they can receive appropriate treatment while minimizing any potential risks to themselves and others around them.
