A tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in the Kansas City metropolitan area has escalated into one of the most significant recorded in the United States, with health officials reporting dozens of active cases.

As of January 24, 2025, 67 active TB cases have been confirmed in Wyandotte and Johnson counties, Kansas, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working to contain the spread of the disease.

The outbreak, which began in 2024, has prompted an extensive response from local and national health agencies. The KDHE has not yet identified a definitive source of the outbreak but has initiated efforts to manage and mitigate further spread. Currently, 384 individuals are under monitoring for potential TB exposure, with health officials conducting rigorous testing and treatment protocols.

While the scale of this outbreak is larger than usual, KDHE officials stress that the risk to the general public remains low. "Our team is actively coordinating testing, treatment, and public health education to ensure containment and proper medical response," a KDHE spokesperson said.

Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease caused by *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*. It primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other organs, such as the brain and kidneys. The disease is transmitted through airborne particles when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks. If untreated, TB can be fatal.

People infected with TB may not always exhibit symptoms immediately. The bacteria can remain dormant for years, a condition known as latent TB. However, without treatment, latent TB can become active at any time, leading to serious health complications. Since 2024, 79 cases of latent TB infections have been documented in the Kansas City, Kansas, area.

To assist in containment efforts, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has deployed four staff members to the affected areas. These personnel are working on contact tracing, testing, and community outreach initiatives to educate residents on TB prevention and treatment options.

"We are collaborating with local health officials to conduct screenings and implement early intervention strategies," a CDC spokesperson stated. "Public awareness and timely treatment are crucial to preventing further spread."

Despite the severity of the outbreak, KDHE officials remain optimistic about managing the situation through sustained testing, early detection, and adequate medical support.

Nationally, tuberculosis remains a pressing public health concern. In 2024, the CDC recorded 8,649 TB cases across the United States, a slight decrease from 9,606 cases in 2023. In recent years, TB has reclaimed its position as the leading cause of infectious disease-related deaths worldwide, surpassing COVID-19, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report published in October 2024.

Although tuberculosis can affect anyone, certain populations face a higher risk. Individuals living in densely populated group settings, those experiencing homelessness, and individuals who frequently travel to countries where TB is prevalent are more susceptible to contracting the disease.

The current outbreak in Kansas City is among the most significant in recent U.S. history but does not surpass the 2015–2017 outbreak at a homeless shelter in Georgia. That outbreak resulted in over 170 active TB cases and more than 400 latent infections, according to the CDC. The agency, which has been tracking TB cases since the 1950s, continues to emphasize the importance of robust public health strategies to curb the disease's spread.

Health officials urge residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, particularly those in high-risk groups. Recommendations include:

- Seeking medical evaluation if experiencing prolonged coughing, fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss
- Undergoing TB testing if exposed to known cases
- Adhering to prescribed treatment plans for both active and latent TB infections
- Ensuring vaccination and maintaining good respiratory hygiene

The KDHE and CDC continue to coordinate efforts to control the outbreak and safeguard public health. Authorities remain committed to enhancing community education and ensuring accessible treatment for affected individuals.

For further updates and resources on tuberculosis prevention and treatment, visit the CDC’s official website or contact local health departments.