Health Emergency Declared in Long Beach Hotel Amid Tuberculosis Outbreak

Outbreak Linked to Hotel Housing Homeless Individuals

A health crisis has unfolded in Long Beach, California, with a tuberculosis outbreak traced back to a hotel accommodating homeless individuals, as reported by Fox News.

Public Health Emergency Declared

A public health emergency was declared by health officials on Thursday following the alarming outbreak of tuberculosis at an undisclosed hotel.

Confirmed Cases and Exposure

So far, the city has confirmed 14 cases of tuberculosis linked to a "single room occupancy hotel". Nine of these cases required hospitalization, with one resulting in death. Additionally, an estimated 170 people were "likely exposed" to the potentially lethal bacteria.

Outbreak Isolated to Distinct Population

According to the city, the outbreak is currently confined to a specific population and the risk to the general public remains low. The city further noted that the population at risk in this outbreak faces significant obstacles to care, including homelessness and housing insecurity, mental illness, substance abuse, and serious medical comorbidities.

Reason for Withholding Hotel Name

Health officials have refrained from disclosing the name and location of the hotel in order to adhere to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations.

Public Reaction

One user expressed their concern, stating, "I believe the name of the hotel SHOULD BE DISCLOSED in the interest of traveler safety. OR does this mean the hotel is used to house illegal aliens invading our border? Long Beach declares public health emergency after deadly tuberculosis outbreak."

Question of Housing Illegal Migrants

The question now arises whether Long Beach officials were accommodating illegal migrants in the hotel. If so, this wouldn't be the first instance of unvaccinated and undocumented illegal aliens triggering infectious disease outbreaks in hotels and shelters across the country.

Closing Thoughts

This incident raises important questions about public health, housing insecurity, and immigration policies. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think the hotel's name should be disclosed for public safety? Share this article with your friends and engage in the discussion. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered to your inbox every day at 6pm.