Kansas City, Mo. — An alarming tuberculosis (TB) outbreak has emerged, now recognized as the largest documented outbreak of its kind in U.S. history. Data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reveals 67 active TB cases and 79 latent cases reported since January 2024, predominantly affecting Wyandotte and Johnson counties within the greater Kansas City area.
This outbreak marks the most significant TB incident since the CDC began monitoring the disease over 70 years ago. "The current Kansas City, Kan. Metro tuberculosis (TB) outbreak is the largest documented outbreak in U.S. history, present since the 1950s," stated Jill Bronaugh, communication director for KDHE, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the situation.
According to the KDHE, 60 of the active cases lie within Wyandotte County, with the remaining seven situated in Johnson County. This spike also correlates with growing concerns about rising TB incidences across the nation, which saw more than 9,600 reported cases last year—the highest count since 2013. Just last year, Kansas recorded 109 active TB cases statewide.
Compounding this health crisis are two confirmed deaths attributed to the outbreak since its onset. Despite these heartbreaking statistics, health officials insist the risk of infection remains low for the general public within these communities. KDHE emphasizes their proactive measures to provide effective treatment to infected individuals, thereby preventing additional transmission.
“While there is very low risk of infection to the general public, KDHE is ensuring patients receive appropriate treatment,” Bronaugh mentioned, aiming to limit the disease's spread.
The outbreak's onset was initially traced back to Wyandotte County, prompting heightened monitoring by health officials. KDHE deputy secretary for Public Health, Ashley Goss, mentioned to lawmakers: “Although the numbers are trending downward since the outbreak developed last year, we do expect to find more. But we’re hoping the ‘more’ we find is latent TB and not active.”
To put this outbreak’s scale in perspective, the KC area has seen TB cases increase from 46 cases reported statewide by the CDC in 2023 to new highs amid alarming trends of multidrug-resistant TB infections. KDHE recorded 38-43 annual TB cases from 2019 to 2021. The rise to 52 cases reported last year has raised significant concern.
Monitoring efforts intensified following the outbreak's emergence, not just within the local health department but also engaging two large employers closely tied to the affected communities. Goss reinforced the organization’s commitment, saying they are working with the CDC to strategize containment measures effectively.
Health experts describe TB as primarily affecting the lungs, transmitted through the air when infected individuals cough, speak, or sing. A person with active TB exhibits symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss, making it imperative for anyone experiencing these signs to seek immediate testing.
The CDC defines latent TB as the presence of TB bacteria without associated symptoms, rendering individuals non-contagious but susceptible to infection if untreated. Goss emphasized the importance of acquiring treatment for latent cases to prevent potential activation and subsequent disease spread.
With confirmed statistics reflecting 67 active TB cases as of January 24, KDHE remains diligent, focused on treatment and containment. The health department reported 79 cases of latent TB infection—77 located within Wyandotte County and two within Johnson County.
"The outbreak is still active, indicating potential for additional cases," Bronaugh confirmed to the Kansas News Service. She advised the public can track updated case counts on the KDHE's website, providing transparency and reassurance during this challenging period.
The upward trend of tuberculosis incidents is not confined to Kansas; globally, the disease has also seen alarming increases. The World Health Organization reported 8.2 million cases of TB diagnosed worldwide, the highest level since it began global monitoring 28 years ago, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and action against tuberculosis.
Looking forward, KDHE aims to continually provide effective public health responses, emphasizing the collaborative efforts with the CDC to tackle the outbreak efficiently. Goss expressed confidence, stating, “This is normal when there’s something unprecedented or a large outbreak of any kind.”
The tone conveyed by state representatives and health officials remains cautiously optimistic, with hopes pinned on containing this outbreak and minimizing its broader public health impact.