KANSAS is grappling with a significant tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, reporting 67 active cases, 60 in Wyandotte County and seven in Johnson County, and 79 confirmed latent TB infections, predominantly in Wyandotte County.
The initial cases linked to this outbreak emerged in January 2024. Since then, two fatalities have been attributed to TB, both occurring last year. While the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has labeled this as the largest documented TB outbreak in U.S. history, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that larger outbreaks have occurred, such as those in Georgia (2015-2017) and a nationwide incident in 2021.
TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects the lungs and is transmitted through airborne particles when an infected individual coughs, speaks, or sings. Symptoms of active TB include a persistent cough lasting 3 weeks or longer, chest pain, hemoptysis, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. In contrast, individuals with latent TB are asymptomatic and non-infectious but remain at risk for developing active disease if not treated.
Treatment for TB involves prolonged antibiotic regimens, typically lasting from 4 to 9 months, depending on the specific protocol and patient factors such as co-existing conditions like diabetes or HIV. The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is commonly administered to children in countries where TB is prevalent; however, it is generally not recommended in the U.S. due to the low risk of infection, variable efficacy in adults, and potential interference with TB testing.
Healthcare professionals in Kansas and surrounding regions should be vigilant in identifying potential TB cases, especially among populations at higher risk, including those in congregate settings or with compromised immune systems. Prompt reporting of suspected cases to local health departments is crucial for effective outbreak management. The KDHE, in collaboration with the CDC, is actively working to contain the outbreak and emphasizes that the risk to the general public remains very low.
Reference: ABC News Network. Kansas faces one of the largest tuberculosis outbreaks in US history. 2025. Available at: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/kansas-faces-largest-tuberculosis-outbreak-us-history-health/story?id=118174420&utm_medium=email&utm_source=rasa_io&utm_campaign=newsletter. Last accessed: January 29, 2025.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
