Public health officials are actively monitoring the situation, providing treatment that typically involves a regimen of antibiotics and regular testing.

State health officials are collaborating with the CDC to manage the outbreak, focusing on identifying latent cases to minimize disruption to individuals' lives.

Healthcare providers are urged to remain vigilant for TB symptoms, which include persistent cough and chest pain.

Despite the outbreak's scale, health officials assure the public that the risk remains very low, even for those in neighboring counties.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is implementing CDC guidelines to manage the outbreak and prevent further transmission.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs, spreading through the air when an infected person shows symptoms.

Treatment for active TB can last up to nine months and involves a combination of medications, while latent TB can develop into active TB if not treated.

Although a vaccine exists, it is not commonly recommended in the U.S. due to the low risk of infection and potential complications with TB testing.

KDHE continues to monitor patients to ensure adherence to treatment plans, emphasizing the importance of early detection and preventive measures.

A tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kansas City has emerged as the largest documented TB outbreak in U.S. history, with 67 active and 79 latent cases reported since early 2024.

The CDC has deployed staff to Kansas for contact tracing, testing, and public education on tuberculosis.

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, an infectious disease specialist, described the outbreak's high case counts as a significant warning, noting that such occurrences are not typical.