After 17 Cases Emerged, Malang City Health Office Confirms Measles Trend Now Declining
The Malang City Health Office has assured that the spread of measles in its area is now completely under control. This assurance comes after 17 confirmed positive measles cases were found at the beginning of 2026, which triggered high vigilance at the sub-district level.
Malang City Health Office Head, dr. Husnul Muarif, explained that all previously infected patients have been declared fully recovered. Currently, daily reports from community health centres in the five districts show no findings of new cases or patients hospitalised due to measles complications.
“The measles situation in Malang City as of today, Thursday (26/3/2026), is under control. The 17 cases that emerged previously have been handled well, and there are no additions of new clusters,” said dr. Husnul when confirmed, on Thursday (26/3).
The success in suppressing the number of cases is said to be inseparable from the Health Office’s quick actions in conducting Outbreak Response Immunisation (ORI) or mass immunisation in areas where cases were found. Field health workers have intensively screened toddlers who have not received complete basic vaccinations or catch-up immunisation.
Although the situation is already stable, dr. Husnul reminds parents not to be complacent. According to him, herd immunity can only be maintained if immunisation coverage in Malang City remains above 95 percent.
“We still ask the public to remain vigilant, especially parents with toddlers. Ensure that your child’s MR (Measles-Rubella) immunisation is complete. Immunisation is the most effective way to prevent the risk of severe complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis due to measles,” he added.
Based on 2026 national data, several areas in East Java are indeed struggling against the rise in measles cases. However, with strengthened surveillance systems at the community health centre level, Malang City is optimistic about preventing subsequent Extraordinary Events (KLB). Residents are also asked to maintain clean and healthy living habits (PHBS) and immediately report to health facilities if their child experiences symptoms of high fever accompanied by reddish rashes.
The surge in measles cases at the beginning of 2026 has prompted the Indonesian Ministry of Health to accelerate immunisation programmes in various regions to suppress the spread of the disease.
The Ministry of Health stated that up to week nine of 2026, measles cases in Indonesia have decreased to 511 cases from the previous 531 cases.
Based on Ministry of Health data up to week eight of 2026, there were 10,453 suspected measles cases, with 8,372 confirmed cases and six deaths.
The government is accelerating the implementation of measles-rubella (MR) immunisation in various regions ahead of the mudik period and Lebaran holiday.
To anticipate a surge in cases, the Ministry of Health is preparing measles vaccine services (MR vaccine) at Lebaran 2026 mudik posts, especially at airports and ports.