Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that can be prevented and treated. TB rates in the U.S. are among the lowest in the world but are currently rising. In 2023, TB cases rose above pre-pandemic (2019) levels and was the highest number of cases since 2013. TB cases for 2024 will be released this year. Kansas City, Kansas has had a large, ongoing TB outbreak with 67 active cases since 2024.

Tuberculosis is spread through the air when a person with an active infection coughs, speaks, or sings. It is more common for TB to spread indoors and in enclosed spaces between close contacts like family members, coworkers, and friends. TB is typically spread through prolonged contact with an infected person meaning the risk to the public is low.

Symptoms of TB include feelings of sickness, weight loss, night sweats, and fever. It spreads from person to person through the air, not by saliva nor germs on hands and surfaces.

Treatment is long and includes taking a combination of medications for 6-12 months for adults and 4-9 months in children. Side effects of these medications can be hard for some people to tolerate, but it is important to complete the entire treatment process to prevent TB from returning or becoming resistant to the medications.

There is not a vaccine for TB in the U.S.; it does exist in other parts of the world but is only partially effective. The best way to prevent the spread of TB is to avoid being around sick people and ensuring people who have TB receive treatment. An N95 or KN95 mask can help prevent inhaling the germs.

There may be more TB cases in Kansas. Clinicians need to continue testing and diagnosing patients that may have TB.