For immediate release: Friday, January 31, 2025 

Kansas City continues to maintain low tuberculosis case numbers with no signs of an active outbreak. Since 2015 the annual average number of confirmed cases is 12.7, with no significant increase in 2024. None of the Kansas City cases from 2024 are linked to the Wyandotte County outbreak.

The risk of spreading Tuberculosis is low except for those who repeatedly come into close contact with someone coughing.  Most transmission occurs between family members or people living together.

For those that might be concerned about exposure or that have come into close repeated contact with someone that has tested positive, the City offers free testing for those who cannot afford it at the Health Department at 2400 Troost Ave.  Please call 816-513-6110 to schedule an appointment.

Public Health Recommendations  

• Seek Medical Attention: Symptoms of tuberculosis include night coughing, sweats, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, chest pain, and coughing up blood. If symptoms develop, seek medical care immediately.  

• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water after using the restroom. 

• Cover your mouth: Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• If you are unwell: Avoid close contact with others and stay away from public areas, such as buses and subways, until you are informed that you are no longer contagious.

• Throw away tissues: Put used tissues in a covered container and throw them away. 

• Wear a mask: Wear a face mask around people during the first few weeks of treatment.

•  Eat well, exercise, and sleep: Maintain a healthy immune system by exercising regularly and getting enough sleep.

To learn more about testing and other Health Department services, please visit KCMO.gov/health.