Kansas is currently facing a significant outbreak of tuberculosis (TB), characterized as one of the largest recorded in the United States. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), as of January 24, 2025, there are 67 active TB cases reported, primarily in Wyandotte and Johnson counties. Additionally, there are 79 latent infections documented, indicating the presence of the bacteria without active illness. The outbreak, which has led to two reported fatalities, began in January 2024 and is still evolving, creating concern among health officials.

Local health authorities highlighted that the outbreak represents a “stark warning” about the potential for TB to spread. Jill Bronaugh, the communications director for KDHE, noted, “This outbreak is still ongoing, which means that there could be more cases,” as confirmed by the Guardian. Health officials have also stressed that despite the alarming number of cases, there remains a “very low risk to the general public,” echoing statements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CNN).

Health expert Dr. Dana Hawkinson expressed concern noting that, “We would expect to see a handful of cases every year,” implying that the current spike is unusual. The AP News reported that the public needs to differentiate between active and latent TB; only active TB can be transmitted between individuals, while latent TB does not emit symptoms and cannot spread.

The CDC has been actively involved in monitoring the situation, with personnel on-site aiding local officials in contact tracing and providing health education. Despite claims by some state health officials about the outbreak being the largest in history, the CDC clarified that there have been larger outbreaks previously, such as between 2015 and 2017 in Georgia which saw over 170 active cases linked to homeless shelters (Reuters).

The outbreak’s scope has raised questions about the rising global concern surrounding TB, which has recently overtaken COVID-19 as the leading cause of infectious disease-related deaths. In 2023, there were approximately 9,600 reported TB cases in the U.S., with this recent outbreak indicating a potential troubling trend (Time).

KDHE and the CDC continue to work collaboratively to contain the spread, urging testing and treatment for those exposed, reinforcing that preventive measures are vital in managing this public health challenge (USA Today).