Kansas Tuberculosis Outbreak Becomes Largest Ever in US
An unprecedented tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kansas has reached historic levels, becoming the largest recorded in U.S. history.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has reported 67 active cases since 2024, with 60 in Wyandotte County and 7 in Johnson County. Additionally, 79 latent infections—77 in Wyandotte County and 2 in Johnson County—have been identified.
TB is caused by bacteria that primarily attack the lungs but can affect other parts of the body. The infection spreads through the air via coughs or speech but requires prolonged contact for transmission.