This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate Los Angeles tuberculosis outbreak
Volunteers go out to conduct surveys during the homeless count in Downtown Los Angeles on January 30, 2013.
(
Hayley Fox
)
Local and federal public health officials say they're trying to contain a persistent outbreak of tuberculosis and are searching for more than 4,600 people on Los Angeles' Skid Row who may have been exposed to the disease.
The Los Angeles Times reports that nearly 80 tuberculosis cases have been identified and 11 deaths have been recorded since 2007. Most of the victims were homeless people living on downtown streets.
County health chief Dr. Jonathan Fielding says the outbreak is the largest in a decade. The outbreak has been linked to one tuberculosis strain that is unique to L.A.
Homeless people are at higher risk of contracting tuberculosis because of poor hygiene and ongoing contact with infected people.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has dispatched scientists to help local health officials curb the spread of the disease.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
