The outbreak has killed two people since it started in January 2024, KDHE spokeswoman Jill Bronaugh said. Health officials in Kansas say there is no threat to the general public.
The outbreak has primarily affected Wyandotte County, with a total of 67 active cases reported as of Jan. 24. According to KDHE, 60 of these cases are in Wyandotte County, while the remaining seven are in neighboring Johnson County.
In addition to the active cases, health officials have identified 79 latent TB infections associated with the outbreak, which means such individuals have an inactive infection. A large majority of the latent infections, 77, are in Wyandotte County, with only two reported in Johnson County.
The KDHE, working with local health departments, is following guidelines set forth by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to manage the outbreak. These efforts include identifying and testing close contacts of infected individuals and providing treatment to those who test positive.
According to KDHE officials, TB testing is being offered at no cost to individuals who may have been exposed. Those who test positive will undergo further screening to determine their treatment, which varies for an active TB disease or latent infection.
Symptoms of active TB disease include a persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats, according to the agency.
Two types of tests are available for TB detection: a blood test called interferon-gamma release assay and a skin test. TB spreads through the air when a person with active pulmonary TB coughs, speaks, or sings. The CDC notes that TB germs can remain airborne for several hours, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
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