Health officials in California are urging anyone who spent their time in the California Grand Casino in Pacheco in the last five years to get tested for tuberculosis (TB) after 11 confirmed cases were linked to staff and customers.
Contra Costa Health (CCH) suggested the move after a county health representative told Fox News Bay Area affiliate KTVU last week that the most recent case was discovered on October 31.
"Of the 11 confirmed TB cases, 10 are genetically linked, and the majority are associated with staff or customers at the casino. The 11th case has not yet been genetically tested," the health officials said. The source of the last transmission in the casino has not yet been identified.
CCH deputy health officer Dr. Meera Sreenivasan added that they made the recommendation because there was new evidence that TB might have spread among people who spent time at the casino from 2018 to 2023.
"TB can live inside someone for years without showing signs of its presence," Dr. Sreenivasan noted. "That is why it's important to take a test, even if you do not feel sick. TB can cause serious illness, but it is treatable and curable with medicine, especially when caught early."
Meanwhile, patrons told local reporters that they were not aware of the health advisory prior to interaction and did not see any warning signs or notices about the infection.
Tuberculosis and How Someone Gets It
CCH stated that symptoms of active tuberculosis may include persistent or bloody cough, unexpected weight loss, night sweats, and fatigue. TB spreads when a person exhibiting symptoms coughs or breathes out droplets containing the bacteria, most commonly in an enclosed space over a long period of time, such as several hours.
While the casino did not immediately respond to Fox News's request for comment, it released a statement to local reporters.
"Our foremost commitment is to ensure the safety of our customers and employees," the statement read. "According to Contra Costa Health, none of the linked cases are currently contagious, nor do they involve our staff. Additionally, Contra Costa Health has not identified any ongoing sources of transmission in the card room. We are actively collaborating with the county on notifications and testing to uphold public health and safety."
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