Isolated Outbreak Declared: Long Beach’s Homeless and Vulnerable Population Faces Tuberculosis Crisis

Tuberculosis outbreak declared in Long Beach hotel

Health officials in Long Beach have raised concerns about a tuberculosis outbreak at a local hotel. The city has declared a public health emergency following the detection of 14 tuberculosis cases at a single-room occupancy hotel. Nine people have been hospitalized, and one person has died as a result of the outbreak.

Dr. Anissa Davis, Long Beach’s health officer, made the declaration last week, with officials noting that the outbreak is isolated to a specific population. This population faces challenges such as homelessness, housing insecurity, mental illness, substance use, and serious medical conditions, making it difficult for them to access care. At least 170 more people have likely been exposed and are being tested.

The disease spreads through the air from person to person, especially in small, enclosed spaces like single-room occupancy hotels. Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis and usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other organs. Not everyone who is infected with TB bacteria becomes sick, but symptoms may include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, weight loss