Kansas Faces Largest TB Outbreak in Decades: What You Need to Know

Massive Tuberculosis Outbreak Sickens Dozens in Kansas: A Growing Public Health Concern

The Outbreak

Health officials in Kansas are raising alarms over a widespread and ongoing tuberculosis (TB) outbreak. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has reported that the outbreak is centered in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties, both part of the greater Kansas City metro area. So far, 67 individuals have been diagnosed with active TB, while 79 more have tested positive for latent TB.

Understanding Latent vs. Active TB

Latent TB occurs when the immune system controls the infection, preventing symptoms and stopping further spread. However, in about 5% to 10% of cases, latent TB can progress to active disease, particularly in individuals who are malnourished, have a history of smoking, or have weakened immune systems due to conditions like diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or the use of immunosuppressive medications.

The Largest U.S. TB Outbreak Since the 1950s

According to Jill Bronaugh, KDHE’s communications director, this outbreak is the largest recorded in the U.S. since formal tracking began in the 1950s. The outbreak, which started in January 2024, has already led to two deaths. Historically, TB cases declined significantly due to improvements in medical treatment, housing, and nutrition. However, the recent resurgence of TB cases across the country raises concerns about controlling the disease effectively.

TB Cases on the Rise in the U.S.

Although the overall TB rate in the U.S. remains low compared to other parts of the world, cases have been steadily increasing in recent years. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 9,600 active TB cases nationwide—a 15% rise from 2022 and the highest annual case count since 2013.

Kansas has previously battled TB outbreaks. In 2021, the state faced an outbreak of multidrug-resistant TB affecting over a dozen people. These drug-resistant strains complicate treatment, requiring alternative medications and longer courses of therapy.

Is Drug-Resistant TB a Concern in This Outbreak?

Health officials are currently investigating whether any of the TB cases in this outbreak are drug-resistant. Multidrug-resistant TB poses a significant public health challenge because it does not respond to standard first-line antibiotics, requiring longer, more complex treatment regimens.

How TB Spreads and Who’s at Risk

TB-causing bacteria spread through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sings. Once inside the body, the bacteria can stay dormant (latent TB) or progress to active disease, spreading to the lungs, brain, spinal cord, or kidneys.

Symptoms of active pulmonary TB include:

• Persistent cough (sometimes with blood)
• chest pain
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Fatigue
• Unintentional weight loss

The general public is at low risk, but close contacts of infected individuals should get tested. Identifying and treating cases early is crucial to preventing further spread.

Treatment and Prevention Efforts

TB treatment requires multiple antibiotics taken over several months. Kansas health officials have assured that treatment will be free of charge for underinsured and uninsured patients.

Despite the existence of a TB vaccine (BCG), it is not routinely used in the U.S. because the infection rate has traditionally been low. Instead, TB prevention relies on early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and public health interventions to reduce transmission.

Public Health Response

KDHE is working closely with the CDC to ensure effective containment of the outbreak. Efforts include:

• Identifying and testing individuals exposed to confirmed cases
• Providing treatment for both active and latent TB cases
• Educating the public about TB risks and prevention

While TB remains a treatable disease, outbreaks like this serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in public health.