Kansas experiences largest tuberculosis outbreak in U.S. history
- Kansas is experiencing an unprecedented tuberculosis outbreak with 67 active cases and 79 latent cases.
- Wyandotte and Johnson counties are the most affected regions amid the outbreak.
- Health officials assess the risk to the public as very low while providing free testing and treatment.
In Kansas City, Kansas, an unprecedented wave of tuberculosis infections has been reported, marking the largest outbreak in U.S. history. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) confirmed 67 active cases and 79 latent cases as of January 24, 2024. The majority of these cases are concentrated in Wyandotte County, with 60 active cases, and Johnson County, with seven cases. Local health officials have emphasized that the risk to the general public and surrounding counties remains very low, despite the alarming number of infections. Notably, two related deaths have been recorded during the outbreak; both occurred in the previous year. The outbreak's origins appear linked to an uptick in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) cases reported by the CDC, which saw an increase from 52 cases in 2022. A study indicated that thirteen individuals in low-income households were diagnosed with this antibiotic-resistant strain. KDHE is actively working with affected patients to identify close contacts and is conducting free TB testing to mitigate further spread. Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is primarily spread through the air via coughing, speaking, or singing. It presents in two forms: active TB, which is contagious and can cause symptoms like a persistent cough and weight loss; and latent TB, which remains asymptomatic and non-contagious. The latter can transform into active TB if untreated. Those with latent TB cannot infect others, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment. Healthcare providers are following CDC guidelines to monitor and treat cases effectively. Treatment regimens vary in duration, ranging from four to nine months, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's overall health. Without proper treatment, both active and latent forms of TB can lead to more serious health issues and potentially escalate outbreaks, emphasizing the critical need for public health interventions during such healthcare challenges.