{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1596795,
        "msgid": "measles-suspect-cases-in-2026-reach-8-244-vaccination-coverage-must-be-increased-1772968211",
        "date": "2026-03-08 15:24:00",
        "title": "Measles Suspect Cases in 2026 Reach 8,244; Vaccination Coverage Must Be Increased",
        "author": "Irvan Sihombing",
        "source": "MEDIA_INDONESIA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "The Indonesian Health Ministry reports 8,244 suspected measles cases in the first two months of 2026, with 21 outbreaks across 11 provinces; health experts warn of risks due to uneven vaccination coverage and misinformation, urging higher immunisation and continued vigilance.",
        "content": "<p>The Indonesian Ministry of Health recorded 8,244 suspected measles\ncases in 2026 from 1 January to 23 February. During this period, 21\noutbreaks were recorded in 17 districts or cities across 11 provinces.\nThe provinces with the most outbreaks were West Sumatra, South Sumatra,\nthe Special Region of Yogyakarta, West Java, and Central Java. Most\ncases were found in areas with low immunisation coverage and where\nvaccine distribution is challenged by Indonesia\u2019s archipelagic\ngeography. Dr.\u00a0Ratni Indrawanti, Sp.A(K), lecturer in Paediatrics at the\nFaculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Gadjah Mada\nUniversity, emphasised that although the number of cases has increased,\nthe situation is still controllable with an effective health system.\n\u201cThis situation is serious and must be addressed quickly. With good\nsurveillance, rapid case management, and increased vaccination coverage,\nsuspected measles cases in 2026 can still be controlled and will not\nconstitute a health emergency,\u201d she said at UGM on Sunday (8\/3).\nAccording to Dr.\u00a0Ratni, the main drivers of the rise in suspected\nmeasles include low vaccination coverage due to limited access to health\nservices and long distances, the downturn in community immunisation\nactivities, and misinformation about vaccines on social media that\nreduces public trust. Measles is highly contagious and can spread via\nair or droplets. One infected child can transmit the virus to up to 18\nothers, especially in enclosed spaces where the virus can survive for up\nto two hours. Measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia,\nencephalitis, seizures, and even death. In addition, people who recover\nfrom measles can experience immune amnesia, a condition in which the\nimmune system \u2018forgets\u2019 part of its protection against previous\ndiseases, leaving them vulnerable to other infections. For prevention,\nDr.\u00a0Ratni stressed the importance of following the 2026 measles\nvaccination schedule, namely at 9 months, 18 months, and 5 years.\nRepeated vaccination is necessary because the vaccine virus is weaker\nthan the wild measles virus, so several doses are required for optimal\nimmunity. Other important preventive measures include using masks when\ncoughing or sneezing, regular handwashing, and health education. \u201cDelays\nin vaccination increase transmission risk and can trigger outbreaks.\nImmunisation should be given when the child is healthy,\u201d Ratni\nemphasised. Most suspected measles cases in 2026 were found in areas\nwith low immunisation coverage, and the challenges of vaccine\ndistribution add risk. With increased vaccination coverage, rapid\nresponse, and adequate health education, measles cases can still be\ncontrolled so as not to constitute a health emergency. The public is\nurged to remain vigilant and to support immunisation as the primary\npreventive measure.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/measles-suspect-cases-in-2026-reach-8-244-vaccination-coverage-must-be-increased-1772968211",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}