No signs of tuberculosis outbreak found in Kansas City, Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – As a year-long tuberculosis outbreak baffles health experts in Kansas City, Kansas, those on the other side of the border remain untouched.

The Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department announced on Friday, Jan. 31, that the metro continues to maintain low numbers of tuberculosis cases with no signs of an active outbreak. Since 2015, the annual average number of confirmed cases in the City is nearly 13., with no significant increase in 2024.

Health officials noted that none of the Kansas City cases from 2024 are linked to the current outbreak on the other side of the border in Wyandotte County, Kansas. The risk of TB spreading is low except for those who repeatedly come into close contact with someone who has it. Most transmission occurs between family members.

For those who may be concerned about exposure or have repeatedly come into contact with someone who has tested positive, city leaders said free testing is available for those who cannot afford it at the Health Department’s 2400 Troost Ave. location. To schedule an appointment, call 816-513-6110.

Health officials have recommended the following:

Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of tuberculosis develop – night coughing, sweats, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss and a persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks.
Practice good hygiene by frequently washing hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
If you are unwell, avoid close contact with others and stay away from public areas like buses and subways until no longer contagious.
Throw away used tissues in a covered container.
Wear a face mask around others during the first few weeks of treatment.
Eat well, exercise and sleep to maintain a healthy immune system.

As of Tuesday, there were at least 67 reported cases in Kansas – 60 in Wyandotte Co. and 7 Johnson Co.

For more information about testing and other services, click HERE.