A History of Tuberculosis in Indiana & Kentucky

Living in the tri-state area, the term “tuberculosis” immediately conjures up images of Louisville, Kentucky’s Wavely Hills Sanatorium.It is notorious for having been a self-sufficient hamlet and a once-thriving TB hospital.

This bacterial “consumption,” or tuberculosis, was one of the most common causes of mortality in the early 1900s. Kentucky Historic Institutions states that Waverly Hills opened for business on July 26, 1910. The original hospital soon filled up due to the sharp rise of TB cases, and it was later expanded. Since fresh air was believed to be essential in curing the illness, the house was constructed high on a hill with lots of windows to let in fresh air.

The lungs are the main organs affected by TB, which causes a protracted and painful death. Its strong contagiousness necessitated social isolation and specialist care for those who contracted it.

The discovery of the antibiotic streptomycin in 1943 marked the beginning of an effective strategy to fight tuberculosis. This life-saving procedure was first administered to Waverly Hills patients in 1949.

Read More: Alcohol Doesn’t Help With This Virus

Waverly Hills has revived as a paranormal tourist destination after eventually closing as a medical facility. The notorious “body chutes” are frequently described by visitors as particularly gory. When the number of deaths exceeded the hospital’s capacity to care for patients, these chutes were utilized to transfer bodies in a discrete manner.

Tuberculosis: Not Just a Thing of the Past

As a child, I believed that tuberculosis was one of those “old-timey” illnesses that no one got anymore, like smallpox or polio. Only those who played the Oregon Trail game had to be concerned about dying on it. However, it was not the case. I didn’t understand tuberculosis still existed but was better controlled with vaccinations and treatments until I applied for a job that required a TB test.

According to recent reports, Kansas is experiencing a TB outbreak. Whose bingo card for 2025 has that? Not me! As of last Friday, 79 people in two counties were carrying dormant TB, while 67 people were receiving treatment for acute TB infections, according to The New York Times. Unfortunately, some persons were said to have died. Thankfully, the general population’s risk of TB infection is still “very low.”

Tuberculosis in Indiana and Kentucky

Here in Indiana and Kentucky, we are also susceptible to tuberculosis. According to the CDC:

• In 2022: Indiana had 99 cases, and Kentucky had 70.
• In 2023: Indiana jumped up to 130 cases, while Kentucky went up to 75.

The figures aren’t as concerning when you take into account the populations of these states, but it’s still important to be educated.

How to Stay Prepared for TB

When an infected individual speaks, coughs, or sings, TB is transferred through the air.

The CDC lists the following as signs of active tuberculosis:

• A bad cough lasting three weeks or more
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs)

Symptoms of dormant tuberculosis can include fever, bodily aches, and a general feeling of being ill.

The best course of action is to be tested and speak with your doctor immediately if you suspect you may have tuberculosis. They can then suggest the best course of action.

If not, don’t worry too much! Go relax and play some Oregon Trail.