Kansas City is facing an “unprecedented” tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, with 67 confirmed cases as of January 24, 2025, marking the largest recorded outbreak in U.S. history. Wyandotte County has been hit hardest with 60 cases, while Johnson County has reported seven. Jill Bronaugh from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) warned, “This outbreak is still ongoing, which means there could be more cases.”

To address the crisis, KDHE, local health departments, and the CDC are working together on case tracking, treatment, and prevention. Deputy Secretary Ashley Goss highlighted progress, noting active TB cases in Wyandotte County have dropped from 65 last summer to 32. She emphasized that patients are typically non-contagious after 10 days of medication and three negative sputum tests: “They can go about their lives…as long as they continue their treatment.”

TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects the lungs but can spread to the brain, kidneys, or spine. It exists as latent TB, which is non-contagious, and active TB, which is potentially deadly. Symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, fatigue, and fever. The disease spreads through airborne particles, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.

Treating latent TB is crucial to prevent progression to the active stage. Active TB requires months of antibiotics to stop transmission. Health officials stress the importance of early detection, timely treatment, and public awareness to control the outbreak and protect the community.