TheUnited States is currently experiencing its largest recorded tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, centered in Kansas. While this outbreak appears to have been ongoing since 2021, a significant number of cases have been reported since 2024. Adding to the complexity, the strain of tuberculosis circulating is notably resistant to two common treatment methods. Further compounding the issue, officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other government organizations are restricted from publicly discussing the outbreak due to a communication pause implemented by the Trump administration, as reported by The Washington Post.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has officially confirmed the outbreak, documenting 66 active cases of tuberculosis and 79 latent infections since 2024. Dr. Thomas Russo, a professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York,explains that "active" cases indicate a contagious individual exhibiting symptoms, while "latent" cases mean an individual has TB but no symptoms and cannot spread it. Dr. Russo emphasizes that latent cases can progress to active ones.

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Ashley Goss,a deputy secretary at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, informed the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committeeon January 28 that Kansas is experiencing its largest historical outbreak. A 2023 CDC report suggests the outbreak's origins may trace back to 2021, initially focused on four households before spreading. Dr. Russo points out that part of the challenge stems from some strains being resistant to certain medications, potentially leading to inappropriate initial treatments that failed to halt the spread.

Tuberculosisis a disease caused by the bacterium *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*, which spreads through the air from person to person. An individual with an active infection can release these germs into the air when coughing, speaking, or singing, and these germs can remain airborne for several hours. Breathing in these airborne germs can lead to infection. Symptoms of active tuberculosis can include a persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer, chest pain, coughing up blood or phlegm, weakness or fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, chills, fever, and night sweats.

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Despite its severity, tuberculosis is curable. The World Health Organization (WHO) typically recommends a six-month course involving four antibiotics, such as rifampicin and isoniazid. However, for cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis, the treatment becomes more extended and complex. Dr. Russo notes the importance of being aware of which drugs are effective against resistant strains. To protect oneself from TB, it is advisable to avoid individuals who are visibly ill. For those diagnosed with tuberculosis, adhering strictly to the prescribed treatment plan is crucial. While a tuberculosis vaccine exists, it is not commonly administered in the U.S. The overall magnitude of this outbreak, according to Dr. Russo, is small, and effective treatments for multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis are available, leading him to believe it will not escalate into an overwhelming number of cases.