A public health emergency was declared in the city of Long Beach, California, following a tuberculosis outbreak that led to one death and hospitalization of nine others.

The outbreak originated from a group staying at a Long Beach hotel. As of April 29, there are 14 confirmed cases associated with the outbreak, with around 170 people likely exposed.

Tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, particularly in crowded settings.

Those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Treatment involves antibiotics over six to nine months, KTLA has reported.

The emergency declaration aims to facilitate resource allocation and containment efforts. The risk to the general population in Long Beach is deemed low.

The hotel’s name was withheld for privacy reasons. Additional information on tuberculosis is available through health department websites.

Written by B.C. Begley