Health officials in Kansas have reported a significant tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in the northeastern part of the state, marking the largest documented outbreak in US history.
Since the beginning of January 2024, 67 active TB cases have been identified in Wyandotte and Johnson counties.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) revealed that Wyandotte County, located near the Missouri border, has reported 60 active cases, while neighboring Johnson County has confirmed seven active cases. In total, the outbreak includes 79 latent cases and has been associated with two deaths since the outbreak began last year.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, health officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains very low. KDHE is working with local health departments to provide free testing and treatment for affected individuals, following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Tuberculosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys, or spine. There are two TB-related conditions:
- Latent TB infection: Individuals have the bacteria in their bodies but do not experience symptoms and cannot spread the disease.
- Active TB disease: Symptoms develop, and individuals can transmit the infection to others.
The CDC highlights that TB germs are airborne, spreading when someone with active TB coughs, speaks, or sings. Enclosed spaces with poor ventilation increase the likelihood of transmission.
Symptoms of active TB include:
- A persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or sputum
- Weakness or fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever and night sweats
People at higher risk for TB include those who frequently travel to countries where the disease is common, reside in crowded settings like shelters or correctional facilities, or have weakened immune systems.
Kansas is not alone in facing rising TB rates. CDC data show that the US reported 9,633 TB cases in 2023, marking the highest count since 2013 and the third consecutive year of increasing case numbers.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 8.2 million TB diagnoses in 2023, the highest recorded since global monitoring began in 1995.
Although a vaccine for TB exists, it is not routinely used in the US Instead, treatment options focus on medication regimens that vary based on whether the patient has latent TB infection or active TB disease. Health officials stress the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent the spread of the disease.
Kansas health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and encourage those who may have been exposed to seek testing. Free screening is available regardless of insurance status, as the state works to contain the outbreak and protect public health.
USA Today and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities contributed to this report.
