Officials from Long Beach announced a public health emergency Thursday afternoon following the death of one person and the hospitalization of nine others due to a tuberculosis outbreak in the city.
As of Monday, there were 14 confirmed cases.
The health department's tuberculosis control team mentioned that an additional 170 people may have been exposed, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Dr. Anissa Davis, the city's chief health officer, stated that the outbreak was confined to a single-room occupancy hotel.
Davis noted that individuals who were staying at the hotel at the time or might have been exposed will be contacted or have already been contacted.
To protect patient privacy, the Long Beach business and location of the outbreak remain confidential.
Tuberculosis infections have been on the rise nationwide. The number of cases in 2023 rose by 15% in California compared with the previous year.
Collectively, there were 2,113 cases statewide last year, about the same amount reported in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The disease is a serious illness that is spread through the air, like COVID-19.
"It's usually people living together in close quarters that spread TB," Jennifer Rice Epstein, Long Beach Public Affairs Officer, said.
"It's spread more easily in poorly ventilated rooms."
The emergency declaration will be formally voted on by the City Council on Tuesday.
If approved, it will enable the health department to mobilize city resources, streamline staffing, and coordinate with external agencies, as per officials' statements.
The health department is permitted to provide those exposed with temporary housing, food, and transportation, as well as cover costs for tuberculosis treatment.
Davis said the outbreak is currently isolated and the "risk to the general public is low."
