0
0
A severe tuberculosis (TB) outbreak is currently unfolding in Kansas, marking one of the largest TB outbreaks in the United States since the 1950s. As the outbreak spreads, Californians may wonder if they are at risk.
Health officials have described the Kansas outbreak as “unprecedented,” with at least two fatalities and dozens of confirmed cases. Some experts believe this could signal a broader resurgence of TB across the country. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, cautioned that the outbreak is a “somber sign of what could come in any state at any point,” including California.
Understanding Tuberculosis
TB is a respiratory disease caused by bacteria, primarily affecting the lungs but capable of spreading to other body parts, such as the brain, spine, lymph nodes, and kidneys. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TB infections can be classified as active or latent. While latent TB remains dormant without symptoms, it can develop into active TB over time, posing serious health risks. The CDC estimates that up to 13 million Americans have latent TB.
Symptoms of TB
Common symptoms of TB in the lungs include:
- A persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or phlegm
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever, chills, and night sweats
The symptoms vary when TB affects other parts of the body. For instance, TB in the lymph nodes may cause swelling, while TB in the kidneys can result in blood in the urine.
Is TB Fatal?
If untreated, TB can be deadly. The CDC considers it one of the world’s leading infectious disease killers. However, proper medical treatment significantly reduces fatality risks.
How TB Spreads
TB is transmitted through airborne particles when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sings. The risk of transmission is higher in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. However, brief interactions with infected individuals rarely result in transmission. Close and prolonged contact—such as within households, schools, or camps—is more likely to spread TB.
TB Cases in California: Are They Rising?
California has seen a 24% increase in TB cases since 2020. In 2023, the state reported 2,113 new TB cases, a 15% rise from the previous year. The state’s TB rate of 5.4 cases per 100,000 people is nearly double the national average of 2.9. Furthermore, California documented 10 new TB outbreaks in 2023, the highest in the past decade.
State health officials believe the return to normal activities post-pandemic may have contributed to this increase. However, they reassure that most Californians are at low risk. “The risk of TB spreading from these outbreaks, including the Kansas outbreak, to most Californians is low,” the California Department of Public Health stated.
Who is at Higher Risk?
Certain populations are more vulnerable to TB, including:
- Individuals frequently in hospitals, shelters, prisons, or jails
- People with compromised immune systems (e.g., those with HIV, cancer, or diabetes)
- Recent immigrants from countries with high TB rates
- Those living in overcrowded conditions or with prolonged exposure to TB patients
- Healthcare workers in high-risk environments
Treatment and Prevention
Both latent and active TB infections are treatable. People without symptoms can undergo a three-month medication plan, while active TB cases typically require a combination of antibiotics for up to nine months.
Preventing TB primarily relies on early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Experts advise avoiding prolonged contact with individuals exhibiting TB symptoms, such as persistent coughing and fever.
Should You Get a TB Vaccine?
The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is available but is not routinely recommended in the United States. According to Dr. Chin-Hong, the vaccine is more effective in preventing TB outside of the lungs but is not commonly used in the U.S. due to the relatively low overall TB risk. Additionally, the BCG vaccine can cause false positives in TB tests.
Conclusion
While the Kansas TB outbreak is concerning, health officials stress that most Californians remain at low risk. Continued vigilance, early detection, and appropriate medical treatment remain crucial in preventing the spread of TB.
For any concerns about TB exposure or symptoms, consult a healthcare professional or local health department for guidance.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult healthcare professionals for any concerns regarding tuberculosis or other health issues.
