A public health emergency has been declared in southern California after a tuberculosis outbreak left at least one person dead and nine hospitalized. Health officials stated that the outbreak was localized to guests at a single-room occupancy hotel in Long Beach, which the city’s health department has chosen not to disclose.

As of Monday, 14 cases of tuberculosis have been confirmed, with investigators also identifying 170 other individuals who may have been exposed, as revealed by the City of Long Beach. City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis declared a local public health emergency on Thursday in an effort to strengthen the city’s preparedness and ability to respond to the localized outbreak.

Officials have emphasized that the risk of exposure to the general public is low, highlighting that the outbreak is confined to a specific population facing significant barriers to care, including homelessness, housing insecurity, mental illness, substance abuse, and serious medical comorbidities. Tuberculosis is a severe illness that primarily affects the lungs and is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services has reached out to individuals who stayed at the hotel where the outbreak occurred, notifying them of potential exposure to tuberculosis. Approximately 170 people who were potentially exposed have been identified and are undergoing necessary protocols.