California health officials are urging anyone who has visited a Bay Area casino in the past five years to get tested for tuberculosis (TB). The Contra Costa Health department issued this advisory after 11 confirmed TB cases were connected to staff and patrons of the casino. While 10 of these cases share a genetic link, the source of transmission within the casino remains unknown.
Dr. Meera Sreenivasan stressed the importance of early detection, as TB can remain latent for years without symptoms but is treatable when caught early. Symptoms include a persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, and fatigue.
Despite the news, some patrons were unaware of the situation. The California Grand Casino stated that none of the linked cases were currently contagious, and they are cooperating with health authorities to ensure safety.
Visitors to the casino between 2018 and 2023 are strongly advised to undergo TB testing to protect their health and prevent further spread.
