The weather feels more unpredictable lately, right? Sometimes it's really hot, then the next day it suddenly rains all day until it causes flooding. It turns out, weather like this not only makes us confused about whether to dry our clothes or bring an umbrella, but it can also affect the spread of disease, one of which is Tuberculosis (TBC).
Research from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) found that changes in temperature and extreme weather have contributed to an increase in TB cases, especially in areas such as Karawang, Majalengka and Kuningan. Not only that, several journals also show the same thing that weather and climate can increase the chances of spreading TB.
But, how come? Isn't TB only spread through coughs or the breath of sick people? What does it have to do with rain or air temperature? Which is more vulnerable between the rainy and dry seasons?
So, let's discuss them one by one.
Rainfall
When heavy rain falls for a long time, air humidity also increases. This condition can make TB bacteria last longer in the air, especially in stuffy and unventilated rooms.
In North Minahasa, research shows that TB cases rise when rainfall increases. This is thought to be because humid air makes droplets (splashes from a sick person's cough/breath) survive better and spread in the air.
Moreover, if the room is closed, without windows or good air circulation, air that has been "contaminated" with TB bacteria can last longer and be inhaled by other people.
Air Humidity
Humidity is simply how much water vapor is in the air. If the humidity is high, the air feels damp.
Research in Greater Malang shows that areas with average humidity above 70% have a high number of TB cases. Why?
Because air that is too humid can slow air circulation, and that makes it easier for TB bacteria to survive and spread. Humidity can also help the formation of aerosols (small particles in the air) which carry bacteria further into the body when we breathe.
The solution? Make sure the room has good ventilation so that fresh air from outside can enter and push out old air that may be contaminated.
Air temperature
Air temperature also plays a role. Temperatures that are too cold can make us stay indoors more often, with the windows tightly closed. This can increase the risk of transmitting TB in closed places.
On the other hand, temperatures that are too hot are not always good. If our diet and lifestyle are unhealthy, hot weather can reduce the body's resistance, and if the body's resistance decreases it is easier for TB bacteria to attack.
So it's not just a matter of hot or cold, but how our body responds to changes in temperature.
Wind velocity
It may sound trivial, but wind also plays a role in the spread of TB.
In Padang, research shows that strong enough winds can carry air particles containing TB bacteria to a wider area. This means that bacteria that were only present in one room can be carried by the wind to other places, especially if the house has poor ventilation and air circulation is not controlled.
Then, what should we do?
We can't control the weather, but we can control the environment and lifestyle to stay healthy and protected from TB:
Make sure the house has good ventilation.
Routinely open windows when weather permits.
Maintain your immune system with nutritious food, enough sleep and light exercise.
If someone has a long cough (more than 2 weeks), immediately consult a health service.
Weather may not seem dangerous, but under certain conditions it can help "help" the spread of disease. Come on, be more sensitive to your surroundings and stay healthy, especially in the rainy season which has been coming more frequently lately.
Reading source:
Rolleh, C. E., Mantjoro, E. M., & Asrifuddin, A. (2025). THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND THE INCIDENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS (TBC) IN NORTH MINAHASA, 2021-2023. PREPOTIF : JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, 9(1), 1258–1264.https://doi.org/10.31004/prepotif.v9i1.43500
V. Olivionita, H. E. Wardani, L. R. Alma, and R. W. Gayatri, "Spatial Analysis of Factors that Influence the Incidence of Tuberculosis in Malang Raya 2020-2021," Journal of Community Health Epidemiology, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 63-71, Feb. 2024.https://doi.org/10.14710/jekk.v9i1.19427