A serious tuberculosis (TB) outbreak is spreading across Kansas, leaving two people dead and infecting at least 146 others. This has become one of the largest TB outbreaks in U.S. history. The Kansas Department of Public Health reported that, as of Friday, 67 cases of active TB have been confirmed. These include 60 cases in Wyandotte County, which includes Kansas City, and 7 in Johnson County.
TB is a contagious disease caused by bacteria that primarily affect the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. There are two types of TB: active and inactive. Active TB causes sickness and can be spread to others, while inactive TB doesn’t cause symptoms and cannot spread to others. If left untreated, inactive TB can turn into active TB, leading to more infections.
Spread of the Outbreak
The outbreak began in 2024 and has since spread rapidly. In Wyandotte County, where Kansas City is located, the disease has been especially common. It’s also spreading to nearby areas, with Johnson County being the second most affected region. TB usually spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sings, but it can also spread through direct contact.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has confirmed that most people diagnosed with TB have not been severely ill, but some are showing serious symptoms. Despite this, doctors say the outbreak has been far worse than normal TB cases in the region.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, director of prevention and control at the University of Kansas Health System, explained that while TB is usually seen in small numbers every year, this outbreak is much larger. “We’re seeing much higher numbers than we usually expect,” said Hawkinson.
Treatment and Prevention Efforts
The good news is that TB can be treated with antibiotics, which help to stop the active form of the disease from spreading. Once someone starts antibiotic treatment, they usually stop being contagious within a few weeks. As of Friday, at least 67 people were receiving treatment for active TB, and others with inactive TB are also being treated. It’s important to note that without treatment, 5-10% of people with inactive TB could develop the active form.
Kansas Health Department communications director, Jill Bronaugh, shared that the outbreak has already claimed two lives. This makes it one of the most significant TB outbreaks the state has ever seen.
Comparing the Kansas Outbreak
While this outbreak is severe, it is not the largest in U.S. history. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pointed out that there was a TB outbreak in Georgia’s homeless shelters between 2015 and 2017, which affected more than 170 people with active TB and over 400 with inactive TB. In 2021, a national outbreak linked to a bone graft product also caused 113 cases of active TB.
Globally, tuberculosis remains a deadly disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in 2023, over 8 million people were diagnosed with TB, and 1.25 million people died from it. TB remains one of the deadliest diseases worldwide, only behind COVID-19, which temporarily held the title of the deadliest disease during the global pandemic.
What’s Next for Kansas?
As the outbreak continues, health officials are focused on preventing further spread and treating those already infected. Efforts include providing antibiotics to those with active and inactive TB, and ensuring that people who may have been exposed to the disease get tested.
While the situation in Kansas is serious, it’s not unique. TB outbreaks can happen anywhere, but with the right treatment and prevention measures, the disease can be controlled. For now, the focus is on controlling this outbreak, preventing new infections, and ensuring that the people affected get the help they need.
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