A significant tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kansas City has reached record levels, prompting concern and action from health officials. As of January 24, 2025, 67 active TB cases have been identified across Wyandotte (60 cases) and Johnson (7 cases) counties since January 2024, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). An additional 79 latent, or asymptomatic, infections have also been reported.
TB, an airborne bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, spreads through coughing, speaking, or singing. Two deaths linked to this outbreak were reported in 2024, a stark contrast to the 46 active cases reported in Kansas throughout 2023.
The KDHE, in collaboration with local health departments and guided by the CDC, has taken charge of testing, treatment, and medical consultation in Wyandotte County to combat the outbreak effectively. While the risk to the general public remains low, the KDHE acknowledges the outbreak is ongoing, with the potential for further cases.
Dr. Wendy Thanassi, a senior medical director specializing in TB and infectious diseases, emphasized the global impact of TB, stating it claims over a million lives annually. She highlighted the importance of early detection through testing, advocating for employers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to facilitate testing initiatives. A simple blood test can identify latent infections, and antibiotic treatment can prevent further spread.
Individuals with active TB cease being contagious soon after commencing antibiotic treatment. The CDC reported 9,633 TB cases in the U.S. during 2023, a notable 15.6% increase from the previous year.
