Kansas City reports significant rise in tuberculosis cases

Tuberculosis (TB) is seeing a rise in cases after years of decline, raising concerns among health officials. TB, a serious lung disease, has recently spread in Kansas City, Kansas, affecting 147 people since January 2024. Out of these, 67 individuals are ill while the other 80 have a latent infection without symptoms. TB is a leading global cause of death from infectious diseases, surpassed only by COVID-19 during the pandemic. The disease has a long history, with evidence dating back about 9,000 years. Its earlier names included “consumption” and “the white plague” because it often leads to severe weight loss and anemia in patients. The Kansas outbreak has mainly impacted low-income communities, resulting in two deaths. However, the origin of this outbreak is still unclear. TB spreads through tiny droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or breathes. Often, untreated TB can infect up to 15 other people. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the situation. From 2020 to 2023, TB cases globally increased by 4.6%. In the U.S., TB cases rose by over 15% from 2022 to 2023. Many people were unable to seek treatment during lockdowns, leading to complications and excess deaths from TB. Treatment for TB involves multidrug therapy, which was developed after antibiotics became available. Treatment usually lasts at least six months, but drug resistance can make TB harder to treat. Education about TB and awareness of its symptoms are crucial, as many people with latent TB do not know they carry the disease. In summary, TB remains a serious public health issue worldwide. Ongoing efforts are needed to educate the public on TB’s risks and encourage early diagnosis and treatment to combat its spread.