The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas is urging residents to stay calm. This comes after recent media coverage about a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kansas.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is leading the response. It has emphasized that the overall risk to the public remains low. KDHE is following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This ensures that patients receive proper treatment. It also helps to prevent additional cases.
“We appreciate the hard work of KDHE as they respond to this outbreak and keep our community safe,” said Mayor Tyrone Garner.
According to the CDC, TB is caused by bacteria that spread through the air. This occurs when a person with active TB in their lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sings. Symptoms may include a persistent cough, chest pain, and in some cases, coughing up blood. Diagnostic blood and skin tests are available, and effective treatments exist for those diagnosed.
Residents can find additional details about the outbreak, including guidance on symptoms and treatment, on the KDHE website. For questions, call the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at (877) 427-7317 or email KDHE.IDmanagement@ks.gov.
