Kansas Tuberculosis Outbreak, Largest in US History, Hits 67 Active Cases Across Two Counties – Latest Details

ansas is currently facing a significant tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, marking one of the largest in U.S. history.s of January 24, 2025, 67 active TB cases have been reported across Wyandotte and Johnson counties, with 60 cases in Wyandotte County and 7 in Johnson County.citeturn0search3 Background and Spread

he outbreak began in January 2024, with cases primarily concentrated in Wyandotte County, which includes part of Kansas City.he Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has been collaborating with local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to manage and contain the outbreak.citeturn0search4 Current Status

n addition to the 67 active cases, there are 79 latent TB infections in the area.atent TB means the bacteria are present in the body but not causing symptoms and are not contagious.ealth officials are closely monitoring these individuals to prevent progression to active TB.citeturn0search2 Public Health Response

he CDC has deployed staff to assist with contact tracing, testing, and health education efforts.espite the outbreak’s size, the general public’s risk remains low, as TB typically requires prolonged exposure for transmission.citeturn0search0 Treatment and Prevention

B is treatable with a prolonged antibiotic regimen, typically lasting nine months.arly detection and adherence to the full course of treatment are crucial to prevent the spread of the disease.ealth officials advise individuals who may have been exposed to TB to seek testing through their local health department.citeturn0news6 hile this outbreak is concerning, health authorities are actively working to control and mitigate its impact.ublic health measures and ongoing surveillance are in place to protect the community. navlistKansas Tuberculosis Outbreak: Latest Updatesturn0news7,turn0news8,turn0news9