The Sunflower State is currently grappling with an unprecedented outbreak of Tuberculosis (TB), a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily attacks the lungs. With cases rising rapidly in recent weeks, local health authorities are going all out to contain the disease before it escalates into a full-blown health crisis. As of now, the outbreak has infected over fifty individuals, with multiple patients being taken to various hospitals for urgent medical attention. Authorities, announcing the latest fatality linked to this outbreak, stated that doctors are doing their utmost to prevent the disease from affecting other residents.
The significantly elevated numbers of the disease have prompted the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to initiate a multi-agency task force, consisting of specialists and public health care professionals, to carry out aggressive and thorough investigations. Experts estimate that almost three per cent of Kansas’s population may be infected, and unless the infection rate is controlled, it could spread to other cities, and becomes a significant concern this year.
Moreover, epidemiologists and medical professionals insist on strongly highlighting the fact that Tuberculosis is entirely preventable and treatable. However, without the adherence to social distancing and wearing masks, as well as other disease control methods, the outbreak could continue to the proficiency. They also emphasize the importance of early diagnosis for better treatment outcomes and cessation of contagious.
The disease, which primarily affects the lungs and can lead to serious complications if left untreated, is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria enter the body and remain dormant for a long time before reactingivate and causing illness, sometimes decades after the initial infection. While many people are unaware that they are suffering from it, a proper health follow-up system is essential to ensure early detection.
