Banten Health Department Identifies 2,000 Measles Suspects by March 2026: Indicative of Outbreak

The Banten Provincial Government is conducting surveillance and monitoring of measles cases within its jurisdiction, which suggests a potential outbreak (Kejadian Luar Biasa, KLB). To date, more than 2,000 suspected measles cases have been identified.

Ati Pramudji Astuti, Head of the Banten Provincial Health Department, stated that in 2025, there were approximately 6,000 suspected measles cases, of which around 510 were confirmed as positive. “Based on this data, we automatically consider this to be heading towards an outbreak, so we must prepare for 2026. Since January, we have been preparing, and from the data received through March, with active surveillance continuing at the health centre level, it is estimated that there are already more than 2,000 suspects,” she said in Cilegon City on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Ati stated that the 2,000 cases are distributed across all districts and cities in Banten, though only one person has tested positive based on examination in Tangerang City. “We are intensifying surveillance not because we want to be caught off guard. Although measles without complications has a high recovery rate, we direct even early symptoms towards a measles diagnosis,” she said.

The provincial and district/city health departments are currently escalating measles vaccination and immunisation efforts. Officers are targeting children to receive MR1, MR2, and MR3 vaccines. “The School Children Immunisation Month (BIAS) will occur in August for schoolchildren. In several districts such as Pandeglang, we are conducting Outbreak Response Immunisation (ORI), which involves direct counselling and comprehensive immunisation drives. In other districts and cities, we are also pursuing catch-up immunisation to provide vaccines to children who have missed their scheduled doses,” she explained.

Ati also reminded the public that measles is a contagious disease. She urged parents to remain vigilant and prevent measles spread during the Lebaran period. “Young children and newborns should not be touched excessively by family members or others during the exodus, except by those with clean hands. Hand sanitisers should be carried throughout the journey home,” she said.

During this exodus period, Ati noted that 94 field health posts have been established. At these posts, travellers can access various facilities, including measles vaccination. “At each post, we provide comprehensive services, ranging from medical treatment, preventative care with free blood tests, health education, and even traditional alternative options such as massage and herbal medicine, all free of charge. Importantly, given the potential outbreak, we are providing measles vaccines at every post,” she concluded.