Kansas is currently grappling with an unprecedented tuberculosis outbreak, which health officials have described as the largest in U.S. history. As of January 24, 2024, there have been 67 active cases along with 79 latent infections reported mainly in Wyandotte and Johnson counties, within the greater Kansas City area.
Jill Bronaugh, communications director for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, emphasized the significance of this outbreak, noting it has emerged rapidly since the start of 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been monitoring tuberculosis cases since the 1950s, making this outbreak particularly notable. State officials have reassured the public that the overall risk remains very low, even as they continue to monitor the situation closely.
The Kansas health department has collaborated with local agencies and is utilizing CDC guidelines to provide proper treatment to those affected. Tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, is transmissible through the air. Active tuberculosis can cause significant health issues, while latent tuberculosis remains inactive without symptoms.
The CDC has indicated that without treatment, about one in ten people with latent tuberculosis may develop active disease. Fortunately, individuals receiving treatment for active tuberculosis quickly become non-infectious, minimizing the risk of transmission to others.
In 2023, the U.S. saw a total of 9,633 reported cases of active tuberculosis, marking the highest number since 2013. In Kansas, officials recorded a total of 51 active cases in 2023, with projections indicating the number would rise to approximately 109 in 2024.
Those at higher risk include individuals in congregated living settings, international travelers, and those with compromised immune systems. The CDC recommends testing for tuberculosis for individuals in these high-risk categories, using either skin or blood tests to identify infections early.
This ongoing situation underscores the importance of public health measures and community awareness in managing and containing outbreaks, fostering hope for future improvement as health authorities remain vigilant in their response efforts.