A double outbreak of tuberculosis and measles is affecting Kansas, despite lawmakers loosening vaccine requirements for children in daycare facilities. The state has seen a significant increase in measles cases, which have doubled this week to 23 cases, mostly among unvaccinated children. Measles can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult to fight off tuberculosis.
The outbreak is particularly concerning as Kansas has recorded a record-breaking 68 active cases of tuberculosis and 85 latent cases. The disease, once considered one of the leading causes of death at the turn of the 20th century, still poses significant health risks due to its treatment being extensive and lengthy, lasting anywhere from four to nine months.
Lawmakers have passed Bill 2294, which exempts children in daycare or child care facilities from providing proof of vaccination if they claim a religious exemption. This move has sparked concerns about the potential impact on public health infrastructure, as John Hopkins Epidemiology Professor David Dowdy noted that an outbreak of 60 TB cases can indicate weakened capacity.
Source: https://people.com/measles-tuberculosis-kansas-outbreak-vax-requirements-dropped-11704982