Long Beach detects tuberculosis outbreak [Video]

LONG BEACH, Calif. —  A localized tuberculosis outbreak has led a Southern California city to declare a health emergency, although officials say the risk to the general public is low.

The Long Beach city health officer issued the declaration Thursday to increase resources for tracking, screening and treating people who have been exposed in the outbreak linked to a single-room occupancy hotel, the city health department said.

As of April 29, there were 14 cases. One person has died, nine have been hospitalized at some point and about 170 people have been identified as likely to have been exposed.

“The outbreak is currently isolated to a distinct population and the risk to the general public is low,” the department said. “The population at risk in this outbreak has significant barriers to care including homelessness and housing …