Kansas City Faces Historic Tuberculosis Outbreak: The Largest Documented in U.S. History

A tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kansas City, Kansas, has escalated into the largest documented case in the nation’s history. As of January 24, 2025, Wyandotte County reported a staggering 60 active cases, complemented by 7 additional cases in Johnson County since January 2024, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

In addition to active cases, the KDHE noted that 79 latent or asymptomatic TB infections have been documented over the past year, with a bulk of cases (77) occurring in Wyandotte County and two in Johnson County. This alarming escalation highlights an urgent public health concern in the region.

KDHE Response and Coordination Efforts

The KDHE has been actively collaborating with local health departments to address the outbreak. Following the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), KDHE is working to ensure proper treatment and preventive measures are in place to combat this unprecedented situation.

In an official statement to Fox News Digital, KDHE confirmed that the outbreak remains ongoing, indicating that there could be additional cases arising. Tragically, two deaths related to TB occurred in the state during 2024, marking a significant impact on the community.

In comparison, the CDC noted that Kansas had 46 active TB cases recorded in 2023, highlighting the rapid increase in infections this year.

Public Health Measures and Safety

To ensure efficient care for those affected, KDHE has assumed responsibility for coordinating testing, treatment, and medical consultation within Wyandotte County. This proactive approach aims to curb the outbreak and mitigate its spread.

TB is primarily an infectious disease that affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sings. Notably, it is not transmitted through casual contact such as kissing, shaking hands, or sharing food, which is a crucial point for public awareness.

Common TB symptoms include coughing, chest pain, coughing up blood or mucus, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Despite these serious indicators, KDHE reassured the public that the risk of infection remains very low in general populations.

Expert Insights on the Outbreak

Dr. Wendy Thanassi, senior medical director of TB and Infectious Diseases at QIAGEN North America, emphasized the broader context of the disease during an interview. “Kansas is not alone in its battle against TB, which kills more than a million people each year. Each undetected case represents an outbreak waiting to happen, yet we possess the ability to intervene before TB spreads uncontrollably,” she warned.

Furthermore, Thanassi urged employers, physicians, and community leaders to organize testing initiatives to prevent further transmission. “A simple blood test can identify this silent threat before it becomes an outbreak, and a course of antibiotics can effectively stop it in its tracks,” she stated.

Potential Outlook and Continued Vigilance

KDHE confirmed that individuals with active TB cease being contagious shortly after commencing antibiotic treatment. This pivotal detail underscores the importance of early detection and treatment to control the outbreak.

In a broader national context, the CDC reported 9,633 cases of TB disease in the U.S. in 2023, reflecting a 15.6% increase from the previous year. The Kansas City situation serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges in controlling tuberculosis across the country.

As public health officials continue to monitor the situation in Kansas City, the community’s cooperation and awareness will play a vital role in addressing and combating the lingering threat of tuberculosis.