TB Outbreak in the US

Tue Jan 28 2025
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Key points

  • Kansas is fighting a major tuberculosis outbreak
  • Experts call it one of the most significant outbreaks in recent US history
  • State’s health authorities reassured public that the danger remains low
  • Many other states are also grappling with TB outbreaks

ISLAMABAD: Kansas is fighting a major tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, currently. The increase in TB cases has attracted national attention. Experts also call it one of the most significant outbreaks in recent US history.

According to the Economic Times, as of January now, the Kansas Division of Public Health reported 67 active TB cases.

The majority of these cases, 60, are concentrated in Wyandotte County, which includes Kansas City. The remaining seven cases are reported in neighboring Johnson County.

In spite of the concerning numbers, the state health authorities have told the public that the danger to the common people remains low.

According to a report in The Topeka Capital-Journal, Ashley Goss, deputy secretary at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “Currently, Kansas has the largest outbreak that they’ve ever had in history.”

Largest documented outbreak

In another statement, Jill Bronaugh, a spokesperson from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) accepted the seriousness of the outbreak in the Kansas City Metro area, stating that it’s the “largest documented outbreak in US history.”

Bronaugh added that the fast increase in cases within a short time has contributed to its scale, and the outbreak remains active, indicating that more cases could arise.

Many other states are also grappling with TB outbreaks that are still ongoing.

Preventative measures

To contain the outbreak, authorities are working closely with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Goss revealed that the health department is in constant collaboration with different large employers in the affected areas to pinpoint cases early, aiming to prevent further delays.

Kansas saw a total of 109 active TB cases in 2024, with 626 additional latent cases.

Tuberculosis – a bacterial infection

TB, a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, was once referred to as “consumption” due to its dangerous effects in the 19th century, according to a report in PBS.

Since then treatments have significantly advanced, but the disease remains a serious health threat if left unattended.

Symptoms include persistent coughing, chest pain, and coughing up blood.

If not adequately treated, TB can progress to a latent stage, potentially activating if the immune system weakens.

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