A yearlong tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kansas City, Kansas, has alarmed health experts. While it may not be the largest in U.S. history, it remains a cause for concern.
Unusually High Case Numbers
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, an infectious disease expert, stated, “We would expect to see a handful of cases every year.” However, the unusually high number of cases in this outbreak serves as a clear warning.
Since the outbreak began in January 2024, two people have died. Nonetheless, Kansas health officials assure that the general public is not at risk.
What is Tuberculosis?
TB is caused by bacteria that infect the lungs. It spreads through the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sings. While TB is contagious, it only spreads when symptoms are present.
There are two types of TB: active and latent. Active TB causes symptoms such as a persistent cough, night sweats, fever, weight loss, and swollen glands. In contrast, latent TB means the bacteria are inactive, and the person experiences no symptoms. Importantly, those with latent TB cannot spread the disease.
Approximately a quarter of the world’s population carries latent TB, but only 5% to 10% develop active symptoms.
Current Situation in Kansas
As of January 24, 67 people in Wyandotte County are being treated for active TB, and 79 individuals have latent TB. In total, Wyandotte and Johnson counties report 79 active cases and 213 latent cases. Although not all cases are connected to the outbreak, the situation is improving. Ashley Goss, deputy secretary at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, commented, “We are trending in the right direction.”
Is This the Largest U.S. Outbreak?
Kansas health officials labeled this outbreak as the largest documented TB outbreak in U.S. history. However, the CDC has pointed out two larger outbreaks in recent years. One occurred in Georgia’s homeless shelters from 2015 to 2017, while another in 2021 involved contaminated tissue used in bone transplants.
Treatment and Global Impact
TB is treatable with antibiotics, though the treatment lasts several months. The TB vaccine is not typically recommended in the U.S. due to the relatively low risk of infection.
On a global scale, TB remains a leading cause of death. In 2023, the disease infected 8 million people and killed 1.25 million. While TB is rare in the U.S., cases have been rising in recent years. In fact, the CDC reported over 9,600 TB cases in 2023, the highest count in a decade.