Unprecedented Tuberculosis Outbreak in Kansas: Largest in U.S. History

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As of January 2025, Kansas is experiencing an unprecedented tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, particularly in the northeastern part of the state. This outbreak is considered the largest in U.S. history, with 67 confirmed active cases of TB in the Kansas City metro area since 2024. The majority of these cases are in Wyandotte County, with 60 active cases, and the remaining seven cases in Johnson County.

The outbreak began in the summer of 2023 and has been monitored and addressed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The KDHE has mobilized staff and resources to ensure that patients receive proper treatment and to prevent additional cases. The CDC remains on the ground to support the local health department.

The outbreak includes both active TB cases and latent TB infections. There are 79 confirmed latent TB cases, with 77 in Wyandotte County and two in Johnson County. Latent TB infection means that individuals are infected with TB bacteria but do not exhibit symptoms and are not contagious.

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TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. It spreads through the air when infected individuals cough, speak, or sing. Symptoms of active TB disease include coughing, chest pain, and coughing up blood.

The KDHE and CDC have been conducting extensive contact investigations, testing close contacts of known cases, and providing treatment. The public health response has focused on identifying, isolating, and treating persons with TB, as well as ensuring that household contacts are evaluated and treated if necessary.

Overall, while the outbreak is ongoing, health officials are optimistic about trending in the right direction and hope to contain the outbreak quickly with continued efforts and support from federal and local health agencies.