A recent tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kansas City, Kansas, has left 147 people reported infected with the disease, with 67 confirmed cases. The remaining 80 individuals contracted latent TB, which shows no symptoms.
TB, a leading infectious cause of death globally, has been infecting humans for thousands of years. Researchers found evidence of TB dating back to 9,000 years ago in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
The resurgent TB outbreak is linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw cases increase by 4.6% globally from 2020 to 2023. Disruptions in healthcare access and supply shortages may have contributed to the uptick in TB cases.
Multidrug treatment is currently the only effective way to cure TB and stop its spread. Patients with untreated active TB are at risk of death, with around half dying without treatment.
TB can be spread through small droplets in the air, unpasteurized dairy products, or from infected animal materials. A single patient can infect 10-15 others if left untreated.
Healthcare officials stress that education and awareness about TB transmission, treatment, and prevention are crucial to combating the disease. Awareness is essential for early diagnosis and treatment, as asymptomatic carriers can unknowingly spread the disease.
Early detection and effective treatment are key to preventing further spread of TB. The US needs to address healthcare access issues, supply chain disruptions, and ensure all individuals have access to quality care to combat this growing public health concern.
Source: https://theconversation.com/as-tuberculosis-cases-rise-in-the-us-and-worldwide-health-officials-puzzle-over-the-resurgence-of-a-disease-once-in-decline-249450