Kansas is currently managing a significant tuberculosis outbreak that has infected dozens of residents, primarily in Wyandotte County. While state health officials have called it the largest outbreak in U.S. history, federal agencies like the CDC have disputed this claim. Nevertheless, the high number of cases has prompted a coordinated response from both state and federal public health authorities to contain the spread of the airborne disease and treat those affected.
Conflicting Reports on the Outbreak’s Scale
There has been a notable disagreement between state and federal officials regarding the historical significance of the Kansas outbreak. Ashley Goss, a top official at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), stated to lawmakers that this is “the largest outbreak they’ve ever had in history.” A spokesperson for the department went even further, claiming it was the biggest the nation has ever seen.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided a different perspective. The CDC points to two larger outbreaks in recent U.S. history to counter Kansas’s claim. One occurred in Georgia between 2015 and 2017, infecting over 170 people in homeless shelters. Another involved 113 patients who received contaminated bone tissue.
Despite the debate, the number of cases in Kansas is alarmingly high for the state and requires a serious public health response.
A Closer Look at the Kansas Case Numbers
As of late January, Kansas had reported 67 active cases of tuberculosis, a slight decrease from the 79 cases reported earlier in the year. The infections are heavily concentrated in one specific area of the state.
The majority of these cases are in Wyandotte County, which has become the epicenter of the outbreak. Health officials are also monitoring a smaller number of cases in a neighboring county.
| Location | Active Cases Reported |
| Wyandotte County | 60 |
| Johnson County | 7 |
| Total in Kansas | 67 |
In addition to active infections, officials have identified 79 cases of latent tuberculosis. These are individuals who are infected but do not have symptoms and cannot spread the disease. However, without treatment, a latent infection can become active later on.
How Tuberculosis Spreads and Who is Most at Risk
Tuberculosis is an airborne disease that spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing bacteria into the air. It typically requires prolonged close contact to spread and is not as contagious as viruses like the flu or COVID-19.
While anyone can get tuberculosis, certain groups are at a much higher risk of developing a severe illness. These groups include:
- People who have weakened immune systems, such as individuals with HIV or diabetes.
- Older adults and young children.
- Those living in crowded settings like prisons or shelters.
- Individuals who have traveled to parts of the world where tuberculosis is more common.
Symptoms of active TB often include a persistent cough lasting several weeks, chest pain, fever, and unexplained weight loss. If the bacteria spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, it can cause life-threatening complications.
State Response and Treatment Challenges
Kansas health officials are actively working to contain the outbreak. The KDHE has required all cases to be reported to ensure patients receive proper care and is also providing preventative treatment for those with latent infections. The goal is to stop the disease from spreading further into the community.
The CDC has deployed four staff members to Kansas to assist with contact tracing, testing, and public education. However, managing a tuberculosis outbreak comes with unique difficulties. A major challenge is ensuring patients complete the long course of antibiotics, which can last from four months to a year. Stopping treatment early can lead to the return of the disease in a drug-resistant form, which is far more difficult and costly to cure.
Another hurdle is effectively reaching diverse communities that may have language barriers or limited access to healthcare. The KDHE is working on culturally informed approaches to ensure everyone receives the information and treatment they need.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tuberculosis
What is the difference between active and latent TB?
An active TB infection means the bacteria are multiplying and causing symptoms; a person with active TB can spread the disease. Latent TB means the bacteria are in the body but are not active, so the person has no symptoms and cannot spread it to others.
How is tuberculosis treated?
Tuberculosis is treated with a course of several antibiotics that must be taken for several months. It is critical to complete the full treatment as prescribed by a doctor to fully cure the disease and prevent it from becoming drug-resistant.
Is there a vaccine for tuberculosis?
Yes, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine exists, but it is not commonly used in the United States. Its effectiveness varies, and it can interfere with the results of common TB skin tests.
What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?
Common symptoms include a bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer, chest pain, coughing up blood, weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. If you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
