Kansas Faces Largest Tuberculosis Outbreak in the U.S. Since the 1950s

The outbreak has resulted in two deaths, dozens of confirmed cases, and ongoing efforts to control its spread.

At least 67 active tuberculosis cases and 79 latent infections have been confirmed in the Kansas City, Kansas, metro area since January 2024.
The outbreak, described as the largest in the U.S. since the 1950s, has caused two deaths and remains ongoing, with more cases possible.
Local health departments, in collaboration with the CDC, are conducting free testing, contact tracing, and treatment for affected individuals.
Tuberculosis, an airborne bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, spreads through prolonged close contact with infected persons.
Health officials emphasize that the general public's risk remains low, and the disease is curable with proper antibiotic treatment.