A tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in the Kansas City area is continuing to spread, with over 60 people undergoing treatment for active tuberculosis as of the latest update. The outbreak, which began a year ago, has claimed the lives of two individuals in 2024. As of the most recent report, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has confirmed that at least 67 patients are currently being treated for active tuberculosis in Kansas.
The vast majority of these cases are concentrated in Wyandotte County, where Kansas City is located, with only a few cases reported in neighboring Johnson County. In addition to the active cases, the health department has identified 79 individuals with inactive tuberculosis infections in the region. Inactive tuberculosis means that while the bacteria are present in the body, the person is not contagious and does not exhibit symptoms. However, untreated inactive cases can potentially develop into active tuberculosis over time, with an estimated 5% to 10% of these cases progressing to the more serious form of the disease.
Last year, the health department reported over 70 active tuberculosis cases, along with more than 200 inactive cases, although these numbers are still provisional and will be officially reviewed and confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by the end of March. Health officials in Kansas have expressed concern over the scale of the outbreak, especially given that tuberculosis is a serious disease that can cause severe health complications if left untreated.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, director of infection prevention and control at the University of Kansas Health System, noted that while a handful of tuberculosis cases are typically seen each year, this outbreak is unprecedented in terms of its scope and the number of affected individuals. He pointed out that most of the patients diagnosed with active tuberculosis during the outbreak have not experienced severe symptoms, though some have developed more serious health issues.
The Kansas health department has referred to this outbreak as the largest documented TB outbreak in U.S. history since the CDC began tracking and reporting tuberculosis cases in the 1950s. However, the CDC has contested this claim, pointing to a significant tuberculosis outbreak in Georgia between 2015 and 2017, which involved over 170 active tuberculosis cases and more than 400 inactive cases, primarily among homeless individuals in shelters. The CDC also mentioned a national outbreak in 2021, which was linked to a bone graft product and affected 113 patients following surgery.
Tuberculosis is an airborne bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. Common symptoms of active tuberculosis include chest pain, weakness, and coughing up blood or mucus. In some cases, the infection can lead to more serious complications, such as lung damage, and can be fatal if not treated effectively. TB is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, making it highly contagious in close contact settings.
The Kansas outbreak is a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by tuberculosis, despite the significant progress made in controlling the disease over the past century. Health officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely and are urging individuals who may have been exposed to tuberculosis to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing the spread of the disease and ensuring that those affected receive the necessary care.
The health department’s efforts to contain the outbreak include offering testing and treatment to individuals who may have been exposed, as well as implementing measures to reduce transmission within the community. Public health officials are also working with healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive appropriate care and are closely monitored for any signs of complications.
As the situation evolves, health authorities in Kansas remain focused on controlling the outbreak and preventing further spread of the disease. The outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of public health surveillance and the need for continued vigilance in addressing infectious diseases like tuberculosis.
