8,716 measles cases by week nine; Health Ministry accelerates immunisation drive
The Health Ministry reported that by week nine of 2026, there were 8,716 confirmed measles cases, with 10,826 suspected cases, and the government is intensifying immunisation across various regions as a follow-up preventive measure.
Acting Director General of Disease Prevention and Control at the Health Ministry, Andi Saguni, confirmed in Jakarta on Saturday that week nine saw approximately 500 additional cases. By week eight of 2026, 10,453 suspected cases had been recorded with 8,372 confirmed cases and 6 deaths. In week seven, there were 8,224 suspected cases, 572 confirmed cases, and 4 deaths.
Earlier, Andi stated in Jakarta on Friday (13 March) that the slower rate of increase in suspected and confirmed cases in week nine was attributable to mass immunisation and public education on clean and healthy living practices.
He also noted that there were 45 extraordinary occurrences (KLB) of measles across 29 districts in 11 provinces: North Sumatra, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Banten, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and Central Sulawesi.
The ten districts and cities with the highest number of suspected cases and confirmed cases in 2026 include South Tangerang, Bima, Tangerang, Depok, Central Jakarta, Palembang, and Padang.
He noted that as of 12 March 2026, data showed that 22 districts and cities experiencing measles outbreaks had conducted Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) MR targeting children aged 9–59 months. The highest coverage was Pamekasan with 47.93 per cent, followed by Jember with 38.64 per cent and Bima with 22.73 per cent.
Meanwhile, as of 12 March 2026, five districts and cities with the highest measles cases were conducting Catch-Up Immunisation (CuC) or synchronised measles-rubella (MR) catch-up immunisation. Coverage included West Jakarta at 56.4 per cent, Central Jakarta at 80.4 per cent, Depok at 17.3 per cent, South Tangerang at 8.4 per cent, and Palu at 5.6 per cent.
Andi stated: “51 Health Quarantine Technical Units are supporting the implementation of MR immunisation services in coordination with local health offices.”
He emphasised that measles immunisation is crucial for providing immunity and protection against the disease. Parental vigilance is necessary to check the immunisation status of infants, which should be administered at nine months and 18 months of age.
“Check body temperature, check skin condition, and watch for symptoms of cough, runny nose, or red eyes. If such symptoms appear, immediately seek medical care and avoid travel to prevent transmission to others,” he advised.
He reminded the public that measles has extremely high transmissibility, with a single infected person capable of transmitting the disease to 12–18 others.