The California Grand Casino in Pacheco is dealing with a tuberculosis outbreak, with at least 10 cases linked to the property. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
cause for concern
A California casino is currently dealing with a surge of tuberculosis (TB) cases linked to the property. Health officials have linked at least 10 cases of the infectious disease to the California Grand Casino in Pacheco, and workers and visitors have been urged to get tested.
The local county health department conducted genetic testing that resulted in 11 confirmed cases. Officials have contacted over 300 people who may have been exposed to tuberculosis. The first time the county learned of a connection to the casino was in 2021; It is unclear how serious the cases were.
People who spent time at the shelter between 2018 and 2023 should get tested immediately
Doctor Meera Sreenivasan explained that people who spent time at the shelter between 2018 and 2023 should get tested immediately, even if they feel well. The bacteria can remain in a person’s body for years without showing any symptoms.
A treatable disease
While tuberculosis was almost a death sentence for people in the past, today it can usually be treated with long-term treatment with antibiotics. People raised in the United States typically receive a vaccine against the disease during childhood. The two main methods of testing for tuberculosis are a skin test and a blood test, the latter being more accurate.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control show that 8,300 cases of tuberculosis were reported in the United States in 2022.
One way tuberculosis spreads is when people inhale or cough up droplets that transmit the bacteria, especially indoors over several hours. It mainly affects the lungs; The most common TB symptoms include bloody or persistent cough, fatigue, night sweats and weight loss.
An iconic property
Becky Warren, spokeswoman for California Grand Casino confirmed that the property is cooperating with public health advice and said health authorities had found “no ongoing sources of transmission in the map room.” Casino management is working to provide health education to all employees and encourage them to undergo testing.
Card player said that the California Grand Casino is the oldest operating poker room in the world and has been serving players since 1854. It is about 20 minutes from the San Francisco Bay Bridge and Oakland.
In addition to Texas Hold’em, customers can also play Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, Baccarat and Hot Action Blackjack. Due to state laws prohibiting house bank games, the dealer’s hand rotates among players, with casino staff merely dealing the cards and settling the bets.
