Also known as TB, tuberculosis is a contagious illness that can be fatal if left untreated.

Health officials are downplaying the TB danger, although the outbreak has continued for a full year with no end in sight.

The Kansas City area is facing one of the country’s largest outbreaks of tuberculosis in recent years. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, as of Jan. 24, there have been 67 confirmed cases of active TB in the state,