Tuberculosis fears on LA’s Skid Row

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The Los Angeles County of Public Health has announced that it’s grappling with the largest outbreak of tuberculosis in the region in over a decade, one that’s centered on L.A.’s skid row neighborhood.

There have been 78 confirmed cases of tuberculosis, with 60 of those cases involving L.A.’s homeless population. Since 2009, there have also been 11 TB-related deaths in L.A. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Health workers have identified more than 4,000 people who might have been infected with this particular strain of TB.

In response, the Department of Public Health has announced its working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to curb the TB outbreak and track down the people who have possibly been exposed. At last report, the CDC will conduct an onsite investigation here in L.A. lasting two to three weeks.

L.A.’s skid row neighborhood is home to one of the largest populations of homeless people in the United States. Poor sanitation and residents’ lack of access to health care, make its streets fertile ground for communicable diseases like TB.
Many of skid row's residents live in so-called SROs, or single residency occupancy hotels. The hotels and other shelters often ask for proof of a TB test before admitting people.
Many of skid row’s residents live in so-called SROs, or single residency occupancy hotels. The hotels and other shelters often ask for proof of a TB test before admitting people. (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

More photos and my interviews with skid row residents below:

Public health officials are recommending that those who work with the homeless in shelters and social service agencies also take precautions and think about getting tested.
Public health officials are recommending that those who work with the homeless in shelters and social service agencies also take precautions and think about getting tested. (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
TB's symptoms include coughing, fatigue, chills and night sweats. The disease can be effectively treated with a months long regimen of medication. Researchers are worried though about newer strains of TB that are drug resistant.
TB’s symptoms include coughing, fatigue, chills and night sweats. The disease can be effectively treated with a months long regimen of medication. Researchers are worried though about newer strains of TB that are drug resistant. (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
Because of the TB outbreak, the LAPD is recommending that its officers wear face masks and try to avoid close face to face contact when interacting with possilby infecting individuals on skid row.
Because of the TB outbreak, the LAPD is recommending that its officers wear face masks and try to avoid close face to face contact when interacting with possilby infecting individuals on skid row. (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

How are skid row residents are reacting to the Skid Row outbreak? Listen below.