The Grand California Casino in Pacheco is dealing with a tuberculosis outbreak, with at least ten cases linked to the property. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Cause for concern
A casino in California is currently dealing with a wave of tuberculosis (TB) cases that have been linked to the property. Health officials have linked at least ten cases of the infectious disease to the California Grand Casino in Pacheco and workers and visitors have been asked to get tested.
The local county health department conducted genetic testing, resulting in 11 cases being confirmed. Officials have contacted more than 300 individuals who may have been exposed to TB. The first time the county learned of a casino connection was in 2021; It is unclear how serious the cases are.
People who spent time at the property between 2018 and 2023 should get tested immediately
Dr. Meera Srinivasan explained that people who spent time on the property between 2018 and 2023 should request an immediate test even if they feel fine. The bacteria can remain inside a person for years without showing any symptoms.
Treatable disease
While TB used to be a death sentence for people, it can now usually be treated with a long course of antibiotics. People who grew up in the United States usually get vaccinated against the disease during childhood. The two main methods of testing for TB are skin testing and blood testing, the latter being more accurate.
CDC data shows that 8,300 cases of TB will be reported in the United States in 2022.
One way TB spreads is when people breathe or cough droplets carrying the bacteria, especially in enclosed spaces over the course of a few hours. It mainly affects the lungs. Common TB symptoms include a bloody or persistent cough, fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss.
Distinctive feature
California Grand Casino spokesperson Becky Warren He confirmed that the drug is cooperating With public health advice, he said health officials had found “no ongoing sources of transmission in the card room.” The casino management works to provide health education to all employees, in addition to encouraging them to undergo examinations.
Card player California Grand Casino is the oldest continuously operating poker room in the world, he said, and has been catering to players since 1854. It is located about 20 minutes from the San Francisco Bay Bridge and Oakland.
In addition to Texas Hold ’em, patrons can also play Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, Baccarat, and Hot Action Blackjack. Due to state laws prohibiting in-casino banking, the dealer’s hand rotates between the players, with casino employees merely dealing out the cards and settling the bets.
