Kansas is facing a massive public health challenge with a tuberculosis outbreak, the largest seen in U.S. history. The outbreak has left many wondering about the unfolding impact and public health response strategies as officials race against time to control the situation. Magnitude and Areas Affected In Kansas, 67 active tuberculosis cases and 79 latent infections have been recorded since 2024, marking a historic outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health officials confirm this unprecedented situation. Wyandotte and Johnson counties, within the Kansas City area, are the primary locations affected. Since January 2024, two residents have succumbed to the disease. Despite the scope of the outbreak, the risk to surrounding counties and the general public is considered “very low” by state officials. Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is known as a leading infectious disease killer. Transmission occurs through the air when an infected person coughs or speaks. Symptoms of active tuberculosis include persistent cough, chest pain, weakness, weight loss, and fever. Those with latent infections show no symptoms and aren’t contagious but risk progression to active disease if untreated. Editor’s Note: The CDC said in a statement that the ongoing tuberculosis disease outbreak in Kansas is not the largest outbreak in U.S. history. There were two larger TB outbreaks in recent years.https://t.co/iNs0bEZK2l — ABC News (@ABC) January 28, 2025 Response and Preventive Measures The CDC has dispatched a team to assist local health authorities in containing the outbreak. Tuberculosis treatment involves a lengthy regimen ranging from four to nine months, occasionally longer for patients with coexisting medical conditions. In countries where TB is prevalent, the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is deployed. However, due to low TB infection rates in the U.S., it’s not generally recommended. “Kansas is facing one of the largest recorded tuberculosis outbreaks in U.S. history, according to local health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” Authorities are emphasizing the importance of rapid identification and intervention for affected individuals. Robust collaboration among health departments and key stakeholders is critical in stopping the spread of tuberculosis and mitigating its impact. The CDC says the ongoing tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas is not the largest outbreak in U.S. history. https://t.co/ySbQqzQKHf — KAKE News (@KAKEnews) January 28, 2025 National and Historical Context Nationwide, over 8,700 tuberculosis cases were reported last year, with numbers rising. The CDC estimates that up to 13 million people in the United States have latent tuberculosis. Certain populations, such as those in group settings, travelers to high-prevalence countries, and individuals with weakened immune systems, face higher risks. Testing for at-risk individuals includes options like blood or skin tests. Historically, the U.S. experienced significant outbreaks, including a 2015-2017 incident with over 170 cases and a 2021 outbreak linked to contaminated medical products. As one of the largest outbreaks since CDC started tracking in the 1950s, the current situation in Kansas elevates the need for awareness and proactive health measures. Sources: Kansas faces one of the largest tuberculosis outbreaks in US history – ABC News CDC: Kansas Faces ‘Largest Tuberculosis Outbreak In U.S. History’ – One America News Network The post Unprecedented Tuberculosis Surge in Kansas: How Experts Are Responding appeared first on The Conservative Brief.