Long Beach declares public health emergency to combat TB outbreak

During the Long Beach City Council meeting on April 1, 2025, public health officials reported on a recent tuberculosis (TB) outbreak that has significantly impacted the community. Sixteen cases of active TB were identified, prompting the declaration of a public health emergency to facilitate a swift and coordinated response.

The health department undertook an extensive outreach effort, identifying 352 contacts linked to the outbreak. Despite challenges in locating all individuals, the team successfully evaluated approximately 77 percent of those at the highest risk of exposure. This evaluation involved multiple visits and tests, demonstrating the commitment of health officials to manage the outbreak effectively.

In addition to treating active cases, the response included providing support to patients to overcome barriers to treatment, such as housing, food, and transportation assistance. As a result of these efforts, several individuals were diagnosed with latent TB infection, and 20 completed their treatment, potentially preventing future cases of active TB.

The meeting also highlighted a new law that took effect on January 1, 2025, requiring primary care providers to offer TB testing to patients with identified risk factors. These factors include recent travel to countries with high TB rates, immunosuppression, or close contact with someone with infectious TB. This proactive approach aims to identify and treat latent TB infections before they develop into active cases.

The health department expressed gratitude to all those involved in the TB control efforts over the past year, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration in addressing public health challenges. As Long Beach continues to navigate this outbreak, the focus remains on prevention and ensuring that individuals at risk receive the necessary care and support.