A severe tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas has raised concerns about the bacterial infection. The outbreak, linked to two deaths, is the largest in the state's history. This article delves into the details of the outbreak, the nature of TB, and available preventative measures.
Kansas is grappling with the most severe tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in its history. The outbreak, first detected in January 2024, has tragically claimed two lives. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has documented 67 active TB cases and 79 latent infections since 2024, with a concentration in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties, part of the Kansas City metropolitan area.
This marks the largest TB outbreak in Kansas history, according to Ashley Goss, a deputy secretary at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.Tuberculosis, a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sings. The bacteria can linger in the air for several hours, posing a risk to those who inhale them. While not common in the U.S., TB infections are more prevalent than many realize. In 2023, the CDC reported 9,615 cases nationwide. Symptoms of active TB include a persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer, chest pain, coughing up blood or phlegm, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, chills, fever, and night sweats. In contrast, individuals with latent TB infection remain asymptomatic. The U.S. employs a vaccine called Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) to prevent TB, but its use is limited. While many individuals born outside the U.S. have received the BCG vaccine, its effectiveness in preventing TB in the U.S. is considered low. Infectious disease specialists, William Schaffner, M.D., and Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., explain that the vaccine's effectiveness is limited, ranging from 37% to 42% depending on age and the type of TB. Additionally, research suggests the vaccine may be less effective in teens and adults with close contact to infected individuals.The best way to minimize your risk of contracting TB is to avoid prolonged contact with individuals who have an active infection. While TB germs can linger in the air for hours, transmission isn't as straightforward as with illnesses like the flu or COVID-19. Early detection and treatment are crucial in controlling TB outbreaks. Public health authorities play a vital role in identifying and treating infected individuals to prevent further spread.
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