Active Public Health Outbreaks in Kansas: November 2025 Surveillance Report
As of late November 2025, the public health landscape in Kansas is dominated by a significant resurgence of respiratory pathogens and a critical food safety investigation. While the state successfully closed major outbreaks of Measles and Tuberculosis earlier this year, local health departments are currently managing a sharp rise in Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae ("Walking Pneumonia"), particularly affecting pediatric populations. Additionally, a nationwide investigation into infant botulism has triggered urgent recalls affecting Kansas families.
Respiratory Surge: Pertussis & Pneumonia
Status: ACTIVE & RISING
Hotspots: Wyandotte County, Kansas City Metro
Kansas is experiencing its highest levels of Whooping Cough activity in over a decade. Following a sharp increase in 2024, cases have continued to surge through the fall of 2025. Wyandotte County issued a health alert in late October after confirming a threefold increase in cases compared to previous years.
Simultaneously, hospitals like Children's Mercy are reporting a sustained spike in Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Unlike typical seasonal trends, this "walking pneumonia" is increasingly hospitalizing younger children (under 5s), a demographic shift that has put pressure on pediatric ERs.
Pertussis Case Trajectory (Kansas)
*2025 data reflects ongoing surge exceeding 2024 rates in metro counties.
Critical Food Safety Alert: Infant Botulism
Urgent Recall: Infant Formula
Date: November 11, 2025
Source: ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula
A multistate investigation involving the CDC and FDA has linked specific batches of infant formula to cases of infant botulism. As of mid-November, 15 infants across 12 states have been hospitalized. While no deaths have been reported, the recall was expanded on November 11 to include all cans from affected batches. Kansas parents are urged to check lot numbers immediately, as botulism is a rare but potentially fatal paralytic illness.
Recently Closed Outbreaks
Two major public health threats that dominated early 2025 have been officially declared "over" by the KDHE, though surveillance remains heightened.
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Southwest Kansas Measles (Ended Aug 2025): The largest outbreak in recent state history concluded with 87 confirmed cases. The outbreak was driven by low vaccination rates in the affected counties.
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KC Metro Tuberculosis (Ended Nov 14, 2025): A complex outbreak spanning nearly two years in the Kansas City metropolitan area was declared over this month. No new active cases have been identified since April 2025.
Measles Outbreak Data
"The end of the outbreak does not mean the threat is over... additional cases are likely if vaccination rates do not improve."
- KDHE Statement
Contrasting Perspectives: The "Tripledemic" Narrative
While state data focuses on specific case counts, local healthcare providers are emphasizing the cumulative strain of concurrent respiratory illnesses. The "Tripledemic" of 2025 involves the simultaneous circulation of Flu, RSV, and COVID-19, compounded by the atypical surge in Mycoplasma and Pertussis.
Official View: The CDC and KDHE emphasize that while activity is high, it follows a predictable seasonal rise, urging vaccination as the primary control measure.
Provider View: Clinicians in Kansas City and Wichita report that the severity of illness in unvaccinated children and the atypical presentation of walking pneumonia are creating diagnostic challenges and longer wait times in emergency departments, suggesting the burden is higher than surveillance numbers alone indicate.