A significant tuberculosis outbreak has been reported in Kansas City, infecting dozens and resulting in two deaths, according to CNN.

Jill Bronaugh, spokesperson for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, stated that the outbreak was first identified in January 2024, though the two fatalities occurred last year.

So far, at least 67 individuals have received treatment for tuberculosis, while 79 others have been diagnosed with the latent form of the disease, meaning they carry the bacteria but do not exhibit symptoms.

Bronaugh warned that the outbreak is ongoing, though officials have not disclosed its cause.

The Kansas Department of Health noted that most cases have been concentrated in Wyandotte County, posing minimal risk to the general public, including nearby counties.

Dive deeper

Tuberculosis is mainly caused by a bacteria which attacks the lungs. It is air-transmittable by infected people through coughing, for instance. 

Each year, approximately 10 million people worldwide contract tuberculosis, despite it being both preventable and treatable. The disease claims around 1.5 million lives annually, making it the leading infectious cause of death globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Preventative measures include screening, vaccination, and ensuring infected individuals complete their treatment. However, the TB vaccine is not commonly administered in the United States due to the country's low incidence rate.

WHO states that individuals infected with TB bacteria have up to a 10% lifetime risk of developing the disease, with those who have weakened immune systems—such as individuals with HIV, diabetes, or tobacco users—facing a higher risk of illness.

Read more: Tuberculosis deaths on the rise in Europe, WHO warns