Kansas is currently experiencing a significant outbreak of tuberculosis (TB), with 67 active cases reported as of January 24, 2025. The majority of these cases, 60, are in Wyandotte County, while seven are in Johnson County. Source: abcnews.go.com
TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that primarily affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sings. Symptoms of active TB include a persistent cough, chest pain, and coughing up blood. If not treated properly, TB can be fatal. However, it is treatable with antibiotics, though the treatment process can be lengthy, often requiring several months. Source: apnews.com
Health officials have noted that while this outbreak is significant, it is not the largest in U.S. history. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported larger outbreaks in the past, including one in Georgia from 2015 to 2017 and a nationwide outbreak in 2021.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is collaborating with local health agencies and the CDC to manage the outbreak. Efforts include identifying and treating individuals with active TB and those with latent TB infections, who carry the bacteria without showing symptoms and cannot spread the disease. Officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains very low. Source: theguardian.com
Globally, TB remains a leading cause of infectious disease deaths. In 2023, there were 9,633 reported cases of active TB in the U.S., marking the highest count since 2013 and a 15% increase from 2022.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are committed to containing the outbreak through ongoing public health interventions.
