Bay Area Casino Tied to 11 Tuberculosis Cases, Officials Warn

Public health officials have confirmed that 11 tuberculosis cases are tied to a casino in California.

The cases were reported in individuals who spent time at the California Grand Casino in Pacheco, which is located 22 miles northeast of Oakland, between the years 2018 and 2023, as stated in an email from Contra Costa Health to SFGATE on Friday.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that can spread in the air, especially in indoor environments where people are in close contact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bacteria primarily affects the lungs and may result in a persistent and painful cough. It should be emphasized that not all individuals exposed to the bacteria will develop the disease.

Genetic testing has determined that 10 of the cases are linked, while the 11th case is pending testing, as confirmed by Contra Costa Health.

In order to control the spread of TB, it is standard practice to perform genetic testing on all confirmed tuberculosis cases in the United States, explained Dr. Meera Sreenivasan, deputy health officer for Contra Costa County, in a press conference. Dr. Sreenivasan stated, “By analyzing the DNA of bacteria isolated from individuals who cough up the bacteria, we can match their DNA with other cases of TB using a technique called whole-genome sequencing.”

The county has reached out to 300 people who may have been exposed to TB at the casino. If you have visited or worked at the casino in the past five years and have not been contacted, you can call the county at 925-313-6740 to inquire about being tested for TB, as mentioned in a press release from the county.

Dr. Sreenivasan emphasized the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals, even for individuals who do not display symptoms, as the bacteria can remain latent in the body for months or even years before becoming active and contagious. With early detection, treatment can be provided to prevent the development of active TB and transmission to others.

Despite the recent outbreak, Dr. Sreenivasan assured that the risk of TB in the community “remains low.” She also clarified that the operation of the casino itself has not posed any risks to the community, reiterating that the transmission of the bacteria occurs through close contact between individuals.

The most common symptoms of TB infection include a persistent or bloody cough, fever, unexpected weight loss, night sweats, and fatigue, according to the county health department.

Becky Warren, spokesperson for the California Grand Casino, stated in a statement to SFGATE, “Our top priority is to ensure the safety of our customers and employees. According to Contra Costa Health, none of the connected cases are currently contagious, and none involve our staff. Furthermore, Contra Costa Health has not identified any ongoing sources of transmission within the casino. We are fully cooperating with the county in regards to notifications and testing to prioritize public health and safety.”

This breaking news story has been updated.