ISPA Cases in Tasikmalaya Regency Reach 97,629 During 2026 Dry Season

The Health Office (Dinkes) of Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java, has reported a significant spike in acute respiratory infection (ISPA) cases throughout 2026. Based on data from January to August 2026, a total of 97,629 residents in the area have contracted the respiratory illness.

Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the Tasikmalaya Health Office, Otong Kusmana, said the increase was triggered by extreme weather conditions during the dry season as well as widespread forest and land fires (karhutla). The disease was reported to predominantly affect vulnerable age groups, from toddlers and children to adolescents.

Otong explained that the unfriendly environmental conditions were the main factor worsening residents’ respiratory health. Dry air, dusty roads, and exposure to smoke from land fires exacerbated the condition of the public’s respiratory tracts.

“The increase in cases is due to cold weather conditions, dusty roads, recurring shortness of breath, and unfriendly air because of many land fires,” Otong Kusmana said on Monday (17/8/2026).

In addition to dust and smoke factors, the cold weather occurring amid the dry season also triggered relapses in patients with a history of asthma. The Health Office noted that patients on average arrived at health facilities with similar clinical complaints.

With the case count approaching 100,000 within eight months, the local government has urged the public to be more cautious when engaging in outdoor activities. Dry and barren land conditions make dust particles easier to inhale.

As a preventive measure, the Tasikmalaya Health Office has instructed residents to resume disciplined mask use, especially when in areas affected by land fire smoke or heavily dusty roads.

“We urge the entire community to anticipate ISPA by wearing masks, because hot, dry, dusty weather conditions and smoke from land or house fires affect the respiratory tract,” Otong concluded.