The Ministry of Health has stated that measles cases in Indonesia\nhave declined to 511 cases as of week nine of 2026, down from the\nprevious 531 cases. This reduction is attributed to widespread\nimmunisation campaigns and health education initiatives on clean and\nhealthy living implemented across various regions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis shows a decline. Immunisation responses have been implemented\nfor all districts and cities experiencing disease outbreaks. For areas\nnot experiencing outbreaks but with rising case numbers at the time,\ncatch-up immunisation campaigns have also been conducted,\u201d said Acting\nDirector-General of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, Andi\nSaguni.<\/p>\n
Saguni emphasised the dangerous transmissibility of measles, as one\ninfected person can transmit the disease to 12 to 18 other individuals,\nparticularly young children, though some cases do occur in adults.<\/p>\n
\u201cMeasles immunisation requires two doses. The first is administered\nat nine months of age and the second at 18 months. When only one dose is\ngiven at nine months, protection coverage reaches approximately 80 per\ncent. However, when the second dose is administered at 18 months, this\nincreases to 97 per cent,\u201d Saguni explained.<\/p>\n
To prevent transmission, the ministry is collaborating with district\nand city health offices and quarantine health centres at various\nhomecoming checkpoints to provide measles immunisation services,\nalongside offering free health checks.<\/p>\n
He urged parents and guardians to monitor their children\u2019s health\nconditions before travelling during the Eid al-Fitr season.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there is fever, cough, runny nose, or other signs such as\nconjunctivitis that may indicate measles, seek medical examination\nimmediately,\u201d he advised.<\/p>\n
He recommended that travel be postponed until the child recovers,\ngiven measles\u2019 high transmission rate.<\/p>\n
Previously, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin announced that the\ngovernment aims to achieve 95 per cent measles immunisation coverage\nwithin one to two weeks before Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah in 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne week has already passed. The penetration results look good. I\ndon\u2019t have the exact figures yet, but we are pushing to achieve this\nbefore Eid if possible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Budi noted that immunisation has been implemented in 50 districts and\ncities. He explained the rationale for achieving targets before Eid is\nthat mass movement during homecoming periods creates significant disease\ntransmission risks.<\/p>\n
According to Ministry of Health data through week eight of 2026,\nthere were 10,453 suspected measles cases, with 8,372 confirmed cases\nand six deaths recorded.<\/p>\n
The government is accelerating measles-rubella (MR) immunisation\ncampaigns across various regions in preparation for the homecoming\nperiod and Eid al-Fitr holidays. The Ministry of Health has prepared\nmeasles vaccination services at homecoming checkpoints for Eid al-Fitr\n2026, particularly at airports and ports.<\/p>\n
Paediatrician Leonirma Tengguna reminded the public to exercise\ncaution when interacting with children during Eid al-Fitr family\nvisits.<\/p>\n
The public has been urged to increase vigilance against measles\nduring Eid al-Fitr gatherings.<\/p>\n
Measles outbreaks have been reported in at least 73 cities across\nIndonesia, with case numbers continuing to increase. Parents have been\nadvised to remain alert.<\/p>\n
Acting Director-General of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health,\nAndi Saguni, urged the public not to touch infants indiscriminately to\nprevent measles transmission.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/measles-cases-claimed-to-be-declining-despite-remaining-a-public-health-concern-1773449535", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }