Since January 2024, there have been 67 active cases of tuberculosis identified in two counties in Kansas – more than the usual case count for the entire state in a year, despite the counties together representing less than 3% of the state’s population, according too US Census data from 2023.
“It’s definitely more than just a little blip,” said Dowdy. “It’s one of the largest outbreaks of tuberculosis that we’ve seen in the country in the past 30, 40, 50 years.”
The state has also detected at least 79 latent cases of TB, in which patients do not display active symptoms but may develop and spread active disease later.The state is currently monitoring 384 people who are undergoing testing and treatment, officials in Kansas said.
Public health officials in Kansas and from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are “working together to mitigate the risk of TB in the community and ensure the safety of all individuals”, Jill Bronaugh, communications director for the Kansas department of health and environment, said in a statement.
But the risk to the general public remains low, she said.At the national level, the Trump administration limited what the CDC and othre federal health agencies can do by instituting a communications blackout in itS first weeks.
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- Global Impact of USAID Dissolution: The dissolution of the US Agency for International Growth (USAID) could lead to an increase in global outbreaks of preventable illnesses like TB.
- John Green’s TB Elimination Project: John Green, known for his work as an author and TB advocate, had been working on an $85 million project to end TB in two regions of the Philippines. This project was in collaboration with private donors, the Philippines, and USAID. However, this project is now at risk of not happening.
- TB Outbreak in Kansas: There is a notable TB outbreak in Kansas, which, although large, accounted for less than 1% of all TB cases in the US last year. most TB cases in the US are detected among people born outside the country, indicating higher transmission rates internationally.
- Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB): The current outbreak in Kansas is occurring in the same area as a previous outbreak detected in 2021-22, which involved MDR-TB strains.MDR-TB is more challenging to contain and treat.
- Potential Resistance and Monitoring: There is no indication that the current cluster of cases is resistant to treatments, but if MDR-TB spreads, it could complicate containment efforts. Monitoring for MDR-TB outbreaks frequently enough relies on spikes in CDC reports,which might potentially be affected by gag orders on US health agencies.
- Global Outbreaks as a Driver: Global outbreaks are a major driver for TB cases in the US, highlighting the importance of international efforts to control TB.
The text underscores the importance of international cooperation and funding in controlling TB outbreaks and the potential risks posed by the dissolution of USAID and the challenges of managing MDR-TB.
Outbreak Chronicles: A Look Back at the 2021-2022 Health Crises
Table of Contents
The year 2021-2022 witnessed several significant health crises that tested global health systems and underscored the importance of robust public health measures. from cholera outbreaks in cameroon to the persistent threat of influenza and the evolving landscape of SARS-cov-2 infections, these events highlighted the challenges and resilience in the face of infectious diseases.
Cholera Outbreak in Cameroon
In the Southwest region of Cameroon,a cholera outbreak between October 15,2021,and July 21,2022,recorded a total of 6023 cases,with 55.6% of the affected population being men. The outbreak resulted in 93 deaths, reflecting a case fatality rate of 1.5%. This severe health crisis underscored the need for effective water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions to control the spread of the disease [1[1[1[1].
Influenza Season 2021-2022
The 2021-2022 influenza season,spanning from October 3,2021,to October 1,2022,saw a relatively small circulation of B/Victoria viruses,most of which were antigenically similar to the vaccine reference virus. Notably, 13 human infections with novel influenza A viruses were identified during this period. This highlights the continuous evolution of influenza viruses and the importance of annual vaccinations to stay ahead of emerging strains [2[2[2[2].
SARS-CoV-2 Infections and Vaccine Breakthroughs
A multistate outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infections, including vaccine breakthrough cases, was associated with large public gatherings in the United States. the outbreak, characterized between July 2021 and the following months, involved 26 primary cases and 30 secondary cases. the majority of these cases were male, with ages ranging widely from under 11 to over 60 years. This outbreak underscored the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines, even among vaccinated individuals [3[3[3[3].
Key Points Summary
Here’s a summary of the key points from the 2021-2022 health crises:
| Outbreak | Duration | Total Cases | Deaths | Key Characteristics |
|——————————-|—————————–|—————-|————|———————————————————————————————|
| Cholera (Cameroon) | Oct 15, 2021 – Jul 21, 2022 | 6023 | 93 | 55.6% male, 1.5% case fatality rate |
| Influenza (2021-2022) | Oct 3, 2021 – Oct 1, 2022 | N/A | N/A | Small circulation of B/Victoria viruses, 13 novel influenza A virus infections |
| SARS-CoV-2 (US) | Jul 2021 onwards | 56 | N/A | 26 primary cases, 30 secondary cases, majority male |
Conclusion
The 2021-2022 health crises demonstrated the ongoing challenges posed by infectious diseases. From cholera in Cameroon to influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, these outbreaks underscored the importance of public health interventions, vaccination programs, and community resilience.As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of infectious diseases, staying informed and adhering to public health guidelines remains crucial for safeguarding global health.
For more detailed information, visit the respective CDC influenza report and SARS-CoV-2 outbreak report.
Interview: Key Insights into Recent TB Outbreaks
Q: Can you explain the current TB outbreak situation in Kansas and how it compares to the overall TB cases in the US?
A: There is currently a notable TB outbreak in Kansas, even though it remains quite large, it accounted for less than 1% of all TB cases in the US last year. Most TB cases in the US are detected among people born outside the country,indicating higher transmission rates internationally.
Q: What is Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB), and how is it relevant to the current outbreak in Kansas?
A: Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB) is a form of tuberculosis that is more challenging to contain and treat. The current outbreak in Kansas is occurring in the same area as a previous outbreak detected in 2021-22, wich involved MDR-TB strains.
Q: Is there any indication that the current cluster of cases in Kansas is resistant to treatments?
A: There is no indication that the current cluster of cases is resistant to treatments. However,if MDR-TB spreads,it could complicate containment efforts. Monitoring for MDR-TB outbreaks frequently enough relies on spikes in CDC reports, which might potentially be affected by gag orders on US health agencies.
Q: How do global outbreaks impact TB cases in the US?
A: Global outbreaks are a major driver for TB cases in the US, highlighting the importance of international efforts to control TB. Most TB cases in the US are detected among people born outside the country, indicating higher transmission rates internationally.
Q: How crucial is international cooperation in controlling TB outbreaks worldwide?
A: International cooperation and funding are critical in controlling TB outbreaks. The text underscores the importance of such efforts in the face of challenges like the dissolution of USAID and the complexities of managing MDR-TB.
Q: Can you describe some notable health crises from 2021-2022, and what they have taught us?
A: The year 2021-2022 witnessed several significant health crises, including a cholera outbreak in Cameroon, the flu season with novel influenza viruses, and a multistate outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infections. These crises highlighted the challenges and resilience in the face of infectious diseases, emphasizing the importance of public health interventions and vaccinations.
Q: Should we be concerned about the ongoing evolution of viral diseases like influenza and SARS-cov-2?
A: Yes,the continuous evolution of viral diseases like influenza and SARS-CoV-2 necessitates ongoing vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines. Regular vaccination and monitoring are essential in staying ahead of emerging strains.
Q: How can public health interventions help mitigate the spread and impact of infectious diseases?
A: public health interventions, such as effective water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) measures for cholera, annual vaccinations for influenza, and adherence to guidelines for SARS-CoV-2, can significantly mitigate the spread and impact of infectious diseases.
Q: What are the key takeaways from your study of these health crises?
A: The key takeaways from studying these health crises include the importance of robust public health measures, the continuous need for vaccination programs, and the role of community resilience in combating infectious diseases. These insights emphasize global efforts and adherence to guidelines for safeguarding public health.
Conclusion
The 2021-2022 health crises demonstrated the ongoing challenges posed by infectious diseases. From cholera in Cameroon to influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, these outbreaks underscored the importance of public health interventions, vaccination programs, and community resilience. As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of infectious diseases, staying informed and adhering to public health guidelines remains crucial for safeguarding global health.
