A series of concerning genetic test results have recently confirmed 11 cases of tuberculosis in Contra Costa County, California. Ten out of the 11 confirmed cases were genetically linked. 

Also, most of the confirmed cases were related to patrons and employees at California Grand Casino in Contra Costa County, California. The eleventh case has not been tested genetically yet.

As a result, Contra Costa Health (CCH) officials have issued a serious warning to the public, urging anyone who has spent time at the casino located on Pacheco Boulevard in the past five years to get tested for tuberculosis. 

So far, CCH has gotten in touch with over 300 individuals who might have been exposed to active tuberculosis. 

The integrated health system that is serving the people of Contra Costa County has also announced that it was collaborating with the casino’s management toward encouraging staff members to get tested and also to offer health education on the matter. 

According to California Grand Casino’s spokesperson, Becky Warren, their “foremost commitment” was to guarantee the well-being of their patrons and staff members. 

Warren also added that, as per the information provided by Contra Costa Health, none of the associated tuberculosis cases were “currently contagious”, and that they also did not involve their personnel. 

The spokesperson announced that the casino was actively working together with county officials to issue notifications and encourage testing to “uphold public health and safety.”

No Ongoing TB Transmission Sources 

While Contra Costa Health has not found any ongoing sources of tuberculosis transmission at the casino’s card room, testing and raising awareness are essential for the safety of the population. 

Health officials emphasize that testing is the only way of knowing if a person who has been exposed to tuberculosis is infected or not. The public should also know that the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium is capable of living inside someone’s body for a few months or even years without showing any symptoms or causing any noticeable health problems. 

It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of active tuberculosis. These range from weight loss, fever, night sweats, persistent bloody cough, and fatigue.

According to county deputy health officer Dr. Meera Sreenivasan, while tuberculosis is capable of causing serious illness, it is also curable and can be treated with pepper medication, especially when it is caught early.

In January 2022, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency warned about a similar problem connected to a person diagnosed with tuberculosis who had visited Sycuan Casino in El Cajon, CA the previous year. 

The post Pacheco Casino Staff and Patrons Urged to Test for TB appeared first on Keno Wizard.

This revelation has sparked outrage and calls for a thorough investigation by Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns.

Alleged Tipping-off of Clubs Sparks Doubts Over Regulatory Credibility

Documents presented in the NSW parliament last Friday have uncovered the troubling practice, leading to concerns about the credibility of the regulatory body, reported ABC. These documents, brought to light after inquiries from Independent MP Alex Greenwich, indicated that the industry’s peak body, ClubsNSW, had sent out emails to club owners warning them about upcoming “gambling harm-minimization compliance inspections.” The purpose of these checks was to ensure the proper positioning of signage and gaming machines across Sydney.

Liquor and Gambling NSW defended its actions by stating that it regularly issues industry-wide communications to inform venues of upcoming random inspections, which may be overt or covert. However, the public’s confidence in the regulator’s impartiality and effectiveness has been significantly shaken.

Premier Chris Minns wasted no time expressing his concern over the matter. Speaking on August 6, he emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive investigation to address the allegations. He stated that the allegation was of great concern and required a comprehensive investigation. He emphasized the importance of preserving community confidence in the implementation of current laws.

Doubts Intensify Over Regulator’s Integrity Amidst Email Exchange Revelations

Further intrigue emerged from internal documents, including an email exchange between two public servants in February 2022. In this correspondence, one employee raised concerns about partnering with a club suspected of being the largest money-laundering club in NSW for an anti-gambling initiative. Although the regulator downplayed the significance of the email and attributed it to a former employee, the matter only intensified doubts about the regulator’s integrity.

Independent MP Alex Greenwich expressed his alarm at the situation, revealing that his confidence in the regulatory body had dwindled as a result of reviewing the documents. He questioned the regulator’s conduct and pointed out several instances where potential conflicts of interest arose.

The timing of these revelations coincides with ongoing debates surrounding gaming-related issues in NSW. Premier Minns’ government had previously faced criticism for not committing to a cashless gaming card proposed by the Coalition.

Instead, the government has continued to trial the cashless card scheme while focusing on implementing additional measures to combat money laundering and gambling-related harm in clubs and pubs.

In other news, as the September 1 ban on outward signage and advertisements for gambling products approaches, the NSW government has lauded gambling establishments’ proactive response. Nearly 50% of venues have already voluntarily removed signage, aligning with the government’s proposal to eliminate promotions for dedicated gambling spaces.

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