LOS ANGELES (KTLA) — Public health officials are working to contain a persistent outbreak of tuberculosis affecting L.A.’s homeless population.
They want to get a handle on the crisis as quickly as possible, becasue tuberculosis can be deadly if left untreated.
Right now, it’s primarily affecting the homeless population in downtown L.A., and officials have seen the trend continue in the Los Angeles area.
It’s gotten so bad that the Centers for Disease Control has dispatched a team of scientists to L.A. to find out why the disease is spreading and how to stop it.
Since 2007, 11 people have died, but the other concern is the thousands of people who might have been exposed.
That’s because L.A.’s homeless, especially during the colder winter months, are in crowded shelters or huddled together on the streets.
Public health officials say they’re putting all of their resources into containing the outbreak.
The other priority is to track down the estimated 4,500 people who might have already been exposed and get them tested and treated.
Tuberculosis is not transmitted through casual contact like touching or even hugging.
Experts say it is only passed on through inhaling droplets from an infected person when they sneeze, cough or laugh.
39 Comments to “CDC Investigating Tuberculosis Outbreak in Homeless Community”
February 22, 2013 at 6:28 AM
Do you have advice for teachers in that area?
February 22, 2013 at 6:43 AM
of course, get another vaccine. that is their advice.
February 22, 2013 at 10:11 PM
there is no such vaccine, you need have a TB PPD test to see if you have the germ already.lots of people have the TB germ in there body but it never becomes active, but if it does become active (meaning start to grow inside your lungs, thats where it usually grows) you can take medicine for 6 months. there is a cure but you have to take pills EVERYDAY for 6 months,if you don't then the TB germ will kick your ass and the TB will come back even stronger. Everyday I stress, regarding taking the pills everyday, thats what matters, you will live if you take the DAMN pills Dailey.
February 23, 2013 at 11:00 AM
there is a tuberculouses drug shortage..
February 22, 2013 at 8:19 AM
TB is back because of all the illegal immigrants crossing the border without being screened for disease.
Legal immigrants have to get medical clearance before they are given visas, illegals just cross the border bringing all their 3rd world disease in here.
Anyway, Obama and the democrats don't care much, as long as they get their Hispanic voters. This is why America sucks nowadays.
February 22, 2013 at 9:17 AM
Then leave, Ohh where you going to go since you hate other countrys. I am a 4th gen. Mexican I grandfather fought in WW2 and my dad in Korea. So not a Illegal. Sounds like you stuck.
February 22, 2013 at 3:07 PM
what you said doesn't have anything to do with illegals crossing the borders unchecked for contagious disease, which is a FACT. The cartels don't require a medical certificate before they guide them to the border crossing.
Other LEGAL immigrants, including legal mexicans, go through medical clearance before they are given visas.
I don't know what you're problem is. I'm just stating facts.
February 23, 2013 at 12:38 AM
For your info Sau sage all Europeans got all this diseases to Latin countries, read more history! you ignorant with no brain. Go back to school.
February 23, 2013 at 9:36 AM
I know, but it has been eliminated decades ago, so now what you're saying is that it's ok for Americans to be contaminated by illegal crossers from Latin countries? For what? Revenge?
Anyway, I don't know why you hate people who are for enforcing laws. It's for your protection too you know, it's not a race thing.
February 22, 2013 at 8:40 AM
They should kill them ALL off. Do the world a service. Want to live like garbage, your treated as such. I dont care what sob story you have.
February 23, 2013 at 10:45 AM
Let me guess: I bet your white, male and republican
February 23, 2013 at 10:46 AM
I meant "you're"
February 22, 2013 at 8:43 AM
also from passing round cigarettes, 40 oz, and crack pipes..
February 22, 2013 at 8:44 AM
that is what I guess how it is spreading around
February 22, 2013 at 9:20 AM
Remember we all our 1 move from being out of a job and then that out of a home. It can happen to anyone. I was once homeless not cause of Drugs or Drinking but by getting laid off and when saving where gone that was that. So walk in someone elses shoe before you say someting dumb
February 22, 2013 at 8:59 AM
And TB now to !! must be roger !! roger that a hole
February 22, 2013 at 12:31 PM
Well, used to be anyone with a highly contagious disease like that was quarantined.
Nowadays it is a violation of human rights.
So, if you be sick share and share alike; after all, it is your right to spread the disease.
February 22, 2013 at 3:38 PM
How do they know it's not Valley Fever often misdiagnoised as Tuberculosis!! Bakersfield, CA. is a hyper–endemic area. http://www.valleyfeversurvivor.com/symptoms.html
February 23, 2013 at 6:14 PM
more spam, not clicking !!! lol at you HAHAHAAAAAA !!!
February 22, 2013 at 8:51 PM
what's this .i don't know this . http:/ /http://ktla.com.qr.net/j9AH
February 23, 2013 at 5:56 AM
spam !!
February 22, 2013 at 8:53 PM
http://ktla.com.qr.net/j9AH
February 23, 2013 at 5:57 AM
more spam !!
February 22, 2013 at 9:07 PM
WTF is that about?
Sorry do not read Hieroglyphics.
Sure hope not important since I am certainly not going to click on it!!!!
February 23, 2013 at 2:01 AM
I clicked it from my MEGA corporate computer at work. It's a Japanese magazine web page about Los Angeles. Current events, local stuff.
The things I'd never click from home I'll click from work due to the MASSAVE firewalls we have. Any virus would easily just bounce off us..
February 23, 2013 at 6:11 AM
* Massive
There that's better. = )
February 22, 2013 at 11:55 PM
Gonna need a crop duster and some antiboitics..
February 23, 2013 at 8:12 AM
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February 23, 2013 at 9:41 AM
more spam !! no click here, lol at you
February 23, 2013 at 9:08 AM
all shopping carts are owned by stores and they have their name 'property of'
February 23, 2013 at 4:52 PM
til I looked at the draft for $4443, I didn't believe …that…my cousin woz like they say actualy erning money in their spare time at their laptop.. there neighbor haz done this 4 only about ten months and by now cleard the mortgage on their home and bought a gorgeous Renault 4. read more at, *Buzz80
February 23, 2013 at 6:13 PM
more spam, not clicking, lol at you !! HAHAHAAAAAA !!!
February 24, 2013 at 5:12 AM
Millions of third world illegal alien peasant mexicans and their dumb anchor babies are responsible for this outbreak!!