An unprecedented tuberculosis outbreak is sweeping through two counties in Kansas, marking the largest documented outbreak in the United States since formal recordkeeping began in the 1950s. Health officials have identified 67 active tuberculosis (TB) infections alongside 79 latent cases in Wyandotte County and Johnson County, both part of the greater Kansas City metro area. The outbreak, which began in January 2024, has already resulted in two fatalities, and experts caution that more cases could emerge.
Jill Bronaugh, communications director for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), emphasized the ongoing nature of the situation.
"This outbreak is still ongoing, which means that there could be more cases," said Jill Bronaugh, the KDHE communications director.
Despite the alarming number of cases, the general public's risk remains low. The annual rate of active TB cases and related deaths is currently low across the United States, so much so that the TB vaccine is generally not utilized. However, the outbreak in Kansas highlights a regional uptick in infections, with reported cases up by 15% compared to 2022 and reaching their highest level since 2013.
The KDHE is actively working to contain the outbreak and limit its spread. Local health departments are set to provide necessary treatments to affected individuals. These treatments involve a regimen of multiple antibiotics over several months and will be free for those who are uninsured or underinsured. This approach aims to curb further transmission of the disease within affected communities.
"While there is a very low risk of infection to the general public in these communities, KDHE is working to ensure that patients are receiving appropriate treatment, which will limit the ability to spread this disease and prevent additional cases from occurring," Bronaugh assured.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded over 9,600 active TB cases nationwide in 2023. While Kansas has experienced an increase in cases this year, the outbreak is not drug-resistant. Yet, it follows a concerning trend as Kansas previously dealt with an outbreak of multidrug-resistant TB affecting just over a dozen people in 2021. This historical context underscores the importance of effective management strategies currently being employed.
The CDC is collaborating with health officials in Kansas, offering guidance on managing the current outbreak. This partnership aims to deploy proven containment strategies to prevent further escalation. Despite the challenges posed by this outbreak, swift action by local health authorities and cooperation with federal agencies serve as critical components in addressing this public health concern.
