Tuberculosis Outbreak in Kansas City, Kansas

SOURCE apnews.com
A yearlong outbreak of tuberculosis in Kansas City, Kansas has alarmed local experts, with 67 active cases and 79 latent cases reported. The outbreak has resulted in two deaths since January 2024. The situation is said to be improving, but historical data shows larger TB outbreaks in the past.

Key Points

  • 67 people are being treated for active TB, while another 79 have latent TB.
  • The outbreak has killed two people since January 2024.
  • TB is caused by bacteria that spreads through the air when infected individuals talk, cough, or sing.
  • TB is a leading cause of infectious disease death worldwide and has been on the rise in recent years.

Pros

  • Health officials are actively treating and monitoring cases of active and latent TB in the affected counties.
  • The situation is improving, with health officials stating they are trending in the right direction.

Cons

  • Tuberculosis is a leading cause of infectious disease death worldwide and has been on the rise.
  • The outbreak has resulted in two deaths since January 2024.