Hundreds in West Bandung Suspected of TB After Limestone Dust Exposure

A significant number of residents in West Bandung Regency, Indonesia, are suspected of having tuberculosis (TB) following exposure to dust from limestone processing plants. Health authorities have initiated free medical examinations and screenings for those affected.

The West Bandung Regency Health Office reported that screenings conducted between July 25-31, 2026, involved 2,974 individuals. Of these, 2,870 people, or 96.5 percent, participated in the free health check-ups. A substantial portion, 1,772 individuals (61.7 percent), underwent chest X-rays as part of the examination.

Preliminary screening results identified 378 people, approximately 13.2 percent of those screened, as suspected TB cases. These individuals are undergoing further investigation. "If the results are positive or negative for TB, we have to wait for the lab results. These are just suspects based on the initial screening," stated Lia N Sukandar, the acting head of the West Bandung Regency Health Office.

To confirm the diagnoses, 304 of the suspected TB cases, representing 80.4 percent, have proceeded to molecular rapid tests. The health office is awaiting laboratory results to determine the final TB status of these individuals, highlighting the ongoing concern over the health impacts of industrial dust pollution in the region.

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If the results are positive or negative for TB, we have to wait for the lab results. These are just suspects based on the initial screening.