Thousands suffering from tuberculosis

TULUNGAGUNG, East Java: More than 2,000 residents here have tested positive for tuberculosis (TB), but only a few have had the awareness to seek treatment, Antara reported.

The news agency quoted Anang Imam Massa Arif, the head of the local health office, as saying here on Friday that 2,300 people were found to have TB but only 200 had sought treatment.

"We will provide free health care for TB patients," Arif said, adding with a warning note that TB affected not only lungs but also other parts of human body, such as the skin and bones.

He also said TB had been afflicting large numbers of people in Tulungagung for a long time and that patients came from all strata in society.

The population of Tulungagung regency was 931,918 in 1995. (swe)