Indonesian Health Ministry Warns of Measles Ahead of Eid Holidays

3 days ago 4

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Health is urging the public to increase vigilance against measles transmission ahead of the upcoming exodus and Eid al-Fitr holidays. Officials stated that high public mobility and potential crowding are expected to raise the risk of disease transmission.

"Therefore, the public needs to remain alert regarding measles transmission, particularly in children who have not received complete immunization," said Andi Saguni, the Director General of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, in a press release on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Indonesia has seen a significant trend in measles cases since early January 2026. As of the eighth week of 2026, the Ministry of Health has recorded 10,453 suspected measles cases, including 8,372 confirmed cases and six deaths.

Furthermore, there are 45 recorded extraordinary measles incidents across 29 regencies and cities in 11 provinces. These provinces include North Sumatra, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Banten, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and Central Sulawesi.

Andi explained that the trend began to shift in February. "The trend of suspected measles cases rose in January and began to decrease throughout February 2026, and the government continues to respond promptly to prevent broader transmission," Andi said.

He continued that although the trend is starting to diminish, vigilance against measles transmission leading up to the Eid al-Fitr holiday must not wane, given the heightened risk of spread.

As a control measure, the Ministry of Health is accelerating the implementation of outbreak response immunization (ORI) and catch-up campaigns for measles-rubella (MR) in affected and high-risk areas. The program is being implemented in 102 regencies and cities throughout March 2026, primarily targeting children aged 9 to 59 months.

Andi then urged the public to promptly check their children's immunization status and complete any missing doses. He emphasized that immunization remains the most effective protection to prevent children from contracting the virus that causes measles.

In addition, the Ministry of Health urges the public to consistently practice a clean and healthy lifestyle, such as washing hands with soap, practicing cough etiquette, and wearing masks in crowded places.

"If a child shows symptoms of measles or is unwell, it is advisable not to travel and to immediately seek medical attention. Reducing contact with others is also important to prevent broader transmission," Andi said.

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