Kansas is facing its largest tuberculosis outbreak in U.S. history, with 67 active cases reported as of January 24, 2025. The outbreak is centered in Wyandotte and Johnson counties, with 60 cases in Wyandotte and 7 in Johnson. Health officials describe the situation as unprecedented, but stress that the risk to the general public remains very low. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is working closely with the CDC to ensure patients receive proper treatment and prevent further infections. Symptoms include coughing, chest pain, and coughing up blood.
Kansas is currently dealing with the largest tuberculosis outbreak in U.S. history, with 67 active cases reported as of January 24, 2025. This outbreak is centered in the greater Kansas City metro area, specifically in Wyandotte and Johnson counties. Wyandotte County has seen the majority of the cases, with 60 active infections, while Johnson County has reported 7.
Health officials have described the situation as “unprecedented,” but they emphasize that the risk to the general public remains very low. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to manage the outbreak. The CDC has provided resources to help control the spread of the disease and ensure that patients receive proper treatment.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. TB is transmitted through airborne particles when an infected person speaks, sings, or coughs. Symptoms include coughing, chest pain, fever, fatigue, and coughing up blood or phlegm.
To address the outbreak, KDHE has mobilized staff and resources. Deputy Secretary for Public Health Ashley Goss stated that the agency is following CDC guidelines to ensure patients receive proper treatment and prevent additional cases. The CDC remains on the ground, providing support to help control the outbreak.
The outbreak has prompted local health departments to take cautionary measures. For instance, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, commissioners approved a \$1 million plan to use leftover COVID-19 funds to help prevent the spread of TB. This includes advising schools and employers on safety measures.
While the situation is concerning, health officials are optimistic about the trend. Ashley Goss noted that the number of infections is “trending in the right direction.” Patients who test positive for active TB are receiving further testing to determine if their infection is active or latent. Local health departments are working with these patients to identify their close contacts and ensure they receive proper treatment.
In summary, the ongoing TB outbreak in Kansas highlights the importance of public health measures and collaboration between local and national health agencies. Despite the unprecedented nature of the outbreak, health officials are working diligently to control its spread and ensure that those affected receive the necessary treatment.
1. What is the current number of active TB cases in Kansas?
Answer: As of January 24, 2025, there are 67 active TB cases in Kansas, with 60 in Wyandotte County and 7 in Johnson County1.
2. Where is the outbreak primarily centered?
Answer: The outbreak is primarily centered in the greater Kansas City metro area, specifically in Wyandotte and Johnson counties2.
3. What are the symptoms of active TB?
Answer: Symptoms include coughing, chest pain, fever, fatigue, and coughing up blood or phlegm4.
4. How is TB transmitted?
Answer: TB is transmitted through airborne particles when an infected person speaks, sings, or coughs4.
5. What measures are being taken to control the outbreak?
Answer: The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is working closely with the CDC to ensure patients receive proper treatment and prevent further infections. Local health departments are also advising schools and employers on safety measures2.
6. What is the risk to the general public?
Answer: The risk to the general public remains very low, according to health officials1.
7. How are patients being treated?
Answer: Patients who test positive for active TB are receiving further testing to determine if their infection is active or latent. They are then treated with medication, and once they are no longer transmissible, they can return to work and spend time around family without fear of transmitting the disease5.
8. What role is the CDC playing in this outbreak?
Answer: The CDC is providing resources to help control the spread of the disease and ensuring that patients receive proper treatment. They are also on the ground, supporting local health departments2.
9. How is the situation trending?
Answer: The number of infections is “trending in the right direction,” according to Ashley Goss, Kansas’ deputy secretary for public health2.
10. What is the global context of TB?
Answer: TB is a significant global health issue, with an estimated nine million people getting TB every year and 1.25 million people dying from it in 2023, according to the World Health Organization4.
The ongoing TB outbreak in Kansas highlights the importance of public health measures and collaboration between local and national health agencies. Despite the unprecedented nature of the outbreak, health officials are working diligently to control its spread and ensure that those affected receive the necessary treatment. The situation underscores the need for continued vigilance and effective management of infectious diseases.
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