Unprecedented Tuberculosis Outbreak in Kansas: Largest Since 1950s

Kansas is currently experiencing an unprecedented tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, which is the largest documented outbreak in U.S. history since the 1950s. As of the latest reports, there have been 67 confirmed active TB cases and 79 latent TB cases reported since the beginning of January 2025. The majority of these cases are concentrated in Wyandotte County, with very low risk to the general public, including the surrounding counties.

Historically, Kansas reported 37 to 43 TB cases annually from 2019 through 2021. However, the number of cases rose to 52 in 2022. The outbreak has continued to grow, with significant increases in active cases, including 82 confirmed cases in 2024, nearly double the total from the previous year.

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The outbreak has been described as "unprecedented" and is being closely monitored by health officials. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has been actively involved in managing the situation, providing medical treatment, and implementing public health measures to control the spread of the disease.