Where are COVID-19 outbreaks in Kansas? State data shines light on deadly clusters

While the coronavirus remains tenacious at long-term care facilities in Kansas, other locations in the state are home to large clusters of the virus that has infected more than 3.4 million people nationwide.

As the coronavirus sees a surge in Kansas in recent weeks, roughly 20% of total cases in the state can be attributed to active COVID-19 clusters, according to data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Long-term care facilities have reported at least 1,027 cases and 168 deaths, according to the state’s summary of COVID-19 clusters.

Meat-packing facilities and corrections facilities have generated more than 1,000 cases apiece and more than 4,000 combined.

KDHE does not typically disclose cluster locations, leaving that to the discretion of local health departments.

In June, a document containing “classified” Kansas public health information identified Lansing Correctional Facility as the largest source of cases in the state. The prison had at least 1,000 cases of the coronavirus, but the outbreak is now contained.

There have been at least 36 COVID-19 deaths at Riverbend Post Acute Rehablitation in Kansas City.

Meat-packing plants have been a hotbed for the virus. After industry executives repeatedly raised the issue with the state’s top agricultural official in late April, Kansas relaxed its quarantine guidelines so meatpacking workers potentially exposed to the coronavirus could stay on the job.

Kansas totals at least 20,058 coronavirus cases and 288 deaths since the pandemic began. According to the data, there are at least 4,081 cases and 216 deaths attributed to active clusters.

As of Monday, when data was last reported, 118 of the 267 clusters in the state remain active.

KDHE spokesperson Kristi Zears said an active cluster is considered closed “28 days from last symptom onset.”

Here’s where outbreaks are occurring, according to the health department:

Meat-packing facilities: 12 clusters (10 active) accounting for 3,205 cases and 17 deaths

Corrections facilities: 5 clusters (1 active) accounting for 1,029 cases and 7 deaths

Long-term care facilities: 65 clusters (27 active) accounting for 1,027 cases and 168 deaths

Private businesses: 105 clusters (33 active) accounting for 857 cases and 6 deaths

Gatherings: 44 clusters (25 active) accounting for 506 cases and 15 deaths

Group: 10 clusters (5 active) accounting for 92 cases and 3 deaths

Healthcare facilities: 12 clusters (5 active) accounting for 86 cases and no deaths

Sports: 5 clusters (all active) accounting for 36 cases and no deaths

Daycare or schools: 9 clusters (7 active) accounting for 35 cases and no deaths

This story was originally published July 15, 2020 at 5:00 AM.