Tuberculosis in California: Outbreak declared in Long Beach, 1 dead, 9 hospitalized

A Southern California coastal city has declared a public health emergency on the heels of an outbreak of tuberculosis that has left at least nine people hospitalized and one person dead.

Long Beach's health officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, declared the emergency last week, after the city's health department detected 14 tuberculosis cases at a single-room occupancy hotel.

Officials have not named the hotel.

In a May 2 news release issued by the city, health officials reported the outbreak is currently isolated to "a distinct population" and wrote the risk to the general public was low.

"The population at risk in this outbreak has significant barriers to care including homelessness and housing insecurity, mental illness, substance use and serious medical comorbidities," the release reads.

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At least 170 more people likely exposed

The health department’s tuberculosis control staff, however, has identified an additional 170 people who have likely been exposed.

Those who have been exposed were being tested, the department reported last week.

Public health officials have not released the date of the first recorded case.

USA TODAY has reached out to the city on Wednesday for updated numbers.

What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the bacteria usually attacks a person's lungs, but can also attack their kidneys, spine, and brain.

The disease is spread through the air from person to person and exposure to TB can occur when people are in a small, enclosed area for an extended period of time.

Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick, according to the CDC.

What are symptoms of tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis symptoms according to the CDC include: 

• A bad, long lasting cough
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood or sputum
• Fatigue
• Weight loss and decreased appetite
• Chills, fever or night sweats

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.