Kansas has recently experienced an alarming surge in tuberculosis (TB) cases, with 67 confirmed cases reported since the beginning of 2024. The outbreak is concentrated in the northeastern region of the state, particularly in Wyandotte County, where 60 active TB cases have been recorded. Johnson County, which is nearby, has reported 7 active cases. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the state has seen 77 TB cases in Wyandotte County since January, a concerning development that has garnered national attention.
This TB outbreak is considered one of the largest in U.S. history. The numbers are startling, especially since tuberculosis was once thought to be under control in many parts of the country. However, officials have stated that the risk to the general public is still very low, and the local health departments are taking steps to ensure that those affected are properly treated and that the disease does not spread further.
Efforts to control the outbreak include widespread testing in the affected areas, offering free TB testing to those who may have been exposed, regardless of insurance status. Local authorities are also collaborating with healthcare providers and community leaders to identify individuals who may have been in close contact with those diagnosed with active TB.
What Is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most commonly affects the lungs, though it can also impact other areas of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, or brain. TB is spread through the air when a person with active TB disease in the lungs or throat coughs, talks, sings, or even sneezes, releasing bacteria into the air. These germs can then be inhaled by others nearby, potentially leading to infection.
There are two types of tuberculosis: latent TB infection and active TB disease. Both are caused by the same bacteria, but they present differently.
- Latent TB Infection: In this form of TB, the bacteria remain in the body in an inactive state. Individuals with latent TB do not feel sick and cannot spread the disease to others. However, if left untreated, latent TB can develop into active TB disease.
- Active TB Disease: When the immune system is unable to keep the bacteria under control, latent TB can progress to active TB. Individuals with active TB are contagious and can spread the disease to others. Symptoms of active TB can include a persistent cough, chest pain, and weight loss, among others.
How Does TB Spread?
TB spreads through the air, typically when someone with active TB disease in their lungs or throat coughs or talks, releasing bacteria into the environment. These bacteria can remain in the air for hours, especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. As a result, people in close contact with someone infected with active TB are at an increased risk of inhaling the bacteria.
It is important to note that not everyone who comes into contact with TB germs will become infected. Factors such as the amount of time spent in close proximity to the infected person, the ventilation in the environment, and the individual’s immune system all play a role in determining whether someone will develop TB.
Certain environments, such as crowded places with limited airflow, can increase the risk of TB transmission. For example, TB is more likely to spread in settings like homeless shelters, prisons, or healthcare facilities, where people live or work in close quarters.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
The symptoms of TB vary depending on whether a person has active TB disease or latent TB infection. People with latent TB do not exhibit any symptoms and are not contagious. On the other hand, those with active TB disease often experience a range of symptoms, which can include:
- A persistent cough: A cough that lasts for three weeks or longer is one of the most common symptoms of active TB. The cough may be dry at first but can later produce mucus or blood.
- Chest pain: TB can cause discomfort in the chest due to inflammation or infection of the lung tissue.
- Coughing up blood or sputum: People with active TB may cough up blood or phlegm, which can be a sign that the bacteria are causing damage to the lungs.
- Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of active TB. This can result from a loss of appetite and the body’s increased energy expenditure in fighting the infection.
- Fatigue and weakness: As with many infections, TB can cause individuals to feel tired and weak. This is often due to the body’s efforts to fight off the infection.
- Fever and chills: A persistent low-grade fever is often seen in individuals with active TB. Chills and sweating at night, particularly “night sweats,” are also common symptoms.
- Loss of appetite: A decreased appetite, often accompanied by weight loss, can be an early sign of TB.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in preventing the spread of TB and ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Who Is at Risk for Tuberculosis?
Certain populations are at a higher risk of contracting TB due to a variety of factors. These include:
- People born in or who frequently travel to areas where TB is common: In many parts of the world, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, TB remains a significant public health issue.
- Individuals who live in crowded environments: People living in shelters, correctional facilities, or other group settings where the disease can spread easily are at an increased risk.
- Close contacts of individuals with active TB: People who spend time with someone diagnosed with TB, especially in households or work settings, are at a higher risk of becoming infected.
- People with weakened immune systems: Individuals with conditions like HIV, diabetes, or cancer, or those on medications that suppress the immune system, are more vulnerable to developing active TB.
- Healthcare workers and those in high-risk occupations: People working in hospitals, nursing homes, and correctional facilities may be exposed to TB more frequently due to the high-risk nature of these environments.
Diagnosing and Treating Tuberculosis
Diagnosing TB typically involves a combination of tests, including a skin test or a blood test to determine if someone has been exposed to TB bacteria. For individuals who have received the BCG vaccine, a blood test is preferred, as the vaccine can interfere with the skin test results.
Treatment for latent TB usually involves taking medications for several months to prevent the bacteria from becoming active. Common medications used for latent TB include Rifapentine, Isoniazid, and Rifampin.
For active TB disease, treatment is more intensive and can last anywhere from four to nine months, depending on the severity of the disease. A combination of antibiotics, such as Rifampin, Isoniazid, and Pyrazinamide, is typically used to kill the bacteria and prevent further spread.
It is important that individuals with active TB adhere strictly to their prescribed treatment regimen to ensure the infection is completely eradicated and to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB.
Preventing the Spread of Tuberculosis
Preventing the spread of TB requires both individual and public health measures. For individuals with active TB, it is essential to avoid close contact with others until they are no longer contagious. In addition, taking medications as prescribed and completing the full course of treatment is crucial to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB strains.
Public health authorities play a vital role in preventing TB outbreaks by offering free testing and treatment in affected areas, conducting contact tracing, and promoting awareness about TB symptoms and risk factors.