The outbreak, initially involving 14 cases and one death, has prompted concerns about potential exposure among an additional 170 people, according to a statement from Long Beach's Public Information Office.

Nine individuals have been hospitalized, and sadly, one person has lost their life to the disease. However, officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low, as the outbreak is currently contained within a specific population facing significant barriers to care, such as homelessness, housing insecurity, mental illness, substance use, and serious medical comorbidities.

The implicated facility is a privately-owned hotel, and local health officials are actively identifying and reaching out to individuals who stayed at the hotel during the exposure period or may have otherwise been exposed to assess their risk of contracting the disease. Health department staff are conducting screenings through symptom reviews, blood or skin tests, and chest x-rays.

In the coming days, health officials anticipate an increase in the number of contacts as surveillance expands. Consequently, preventative measures and a public awareness campaign about tuberculosis have been heightened across Long Beach. The emergency declaration, set to be ratified by the Long Beach City Council, will authorize continued and expanded intervention measures.

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, spreads through the air, making crowded and poorly ventilated environments high-risk factors, although prolonged exposure is typically required. Dr. Anissa Davis, the City of Long Beach's top health officer, reminds the public that not everyone exposed to the bacteria will become infected, and not every infected person will become sick.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of TB include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, loss of appetite, chills or fever, and night sweats. Although a vaccine for TB exists, it is rarely used in the U.S., and its efficacy is not guaranteed. Untreated infections can sometimes be fatal.

This outbreak in Long Beach occurs amidst a significant increase in TB cases in California, with reported cases rising by 15% from 2022 to 2023, according to the state's Department of Public Health. This trend aligns with national data, as the CDC reported an increase in provisional TB cases in the United States from the last pre-pandemic year of 2019. The rise in cases can be attributed to recovery from pandemic-related healthcare disruptions, global increases in TB cases, and more frequent travel and migration post-pandemic. Non-U.S.-born individuals continue to have the highest TB rates in the country.

Despite the recent surge in cases, it is important to note that the U.S. still maintains one of the lowest TB incidence rates globally, and domestic transmission of Tuberculosis remains relatively rare. However, the situation serves as a reminder for ongoing vigilance in managing this infectious disease and ensuring access to care, especially for vulnerable populations.