Kansas faces the largest tuberculosis outbreak since the 1950s, raising concerns about public health and disease control measures.
At a Glance
- Kansas is experiencing the largest recorded tuberculosis outbreak in U.S. history since the 50s with 67 active cases and 79 latent infections since 2024.
- The outbreak is concentrated in Wyandotte and Johnson counties in the greater Kansas City area.
- Two deaths occurred last year, and the CDC has sent a team to assist with the outbreak.
- Health officials state the risk to surrounding counties and the general public is “very low.”
- Treatment regimens for tuberculosis can last from four to nine months.
Unprecedented Outbreak in Kansas
Kansas has become the epicenter of an alarming public health crisis as it grapples with the largest tuberculosis outbreak since the 1950s. The outbreak, first reported in January 2024, has already claimed two lives and continues to spread, primarily affecting Wyandotte and Johnson counties in the greater Kansas City area.
According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the situation is unprecedented in its scope and rapid progression. “The current Kansas City, Kan. Metro tuberculosis (TB) outbreak is the largest documented outbreak in U.S. history presently, since the 1950s, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started monitoring and reporting TB cases,” the KDHE stated.
Editor’s Note: The CDC said in a statement that the ongoing tuberculosis disease outbreak in Kansas is not the largest outbreak in U.S. history. There were two larger TB outbreaks in recent years.https://t.co/iNs0bEZK2l
— ABC News (@ABC) January 28, 2025
Understanding the Outbreak
Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a leading infectious disease killer worldwide. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sings. Symptoms of active TB include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, chills, and night sweats.
The outbreak has resulted in 67 active cases and 79 latent infections since 2024. Latent TB can exist without symptoms and cannot spread, but it can develop into active TB without treatment. The CDC estimates that up to 13 million people in the U.S. have latent tuberculosis.
Public Health Response
In response to the outbreak, the CDC has dispatched a team to assist local health authorities in managing the situation. Despite the severity of the outbreak, health officials have emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low.
Treatment for tuberculosis is available but can be lengthy, with regimens lasting from four to nine months. Specific treatment plans may be necessary for patients with other medical conditions. The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, used in countries where TB is common, is not generally recommended in the U.S. due to low infection risk and variable effectiveness.
Prevention and Control Measures
To combat the spread of tuberculosis, health authorities are emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment. Certain groups are at higher risk, including those in large group settings, travelers to high-prevalence countries, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The CDC recommends testing for at-risk individuals, with available tests including a blood test and a skin test.