Beware Measles Transmission During Eid, Self-Isolate if Symptoms Appear
The Deputy Health Minister, Dante Saksono Harbuwono, has urged parents to remain vigilant about measles transmission ahead of Eid. “Measles does show symptoms. If there is fever, spots—particularly spots and sweating with redness—that is a sign of measles,” Dante said at Gambir Station in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, 17 March.
Parents are also advised to be more careful and seek immediate treatment and isolation if measles symptoms appear in children. “If they do have measles, isolation must be carried out. Do not participate in family gatherings in the village. If necessary, wear a mask so as not to infect other family members,” he explained.
By week eight of 2026, 10,453 suspected measles cases had been recorded, with 8,372 confirmed cases and 6 deaths. Additionally, there have been 45 extraordinary events (KLB) of measles across 29 districts and cities in 11 provinces, including North Sumatra, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Banten, West Java, Central Java, DI Yogyakarta, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and Central Sulawesi.
Acting Director General for Disease Control at Indonesia’s Health Ministry, Dr. Andi Saguni, stated, “The trend of suspected measles cases increased in January and began to decline throughout February 2026. By week eight of this year, more than ten thousand suspected measles cases had been recorded. The government continues to implement rapid response to prevent broader transmission.”
Although the trend is beginning to decline, the public is urged to remain vigilant ahead of the long Eid holiday period, as mobility and crowds can increase transmission risk. “Ahead of Eid travel, public mobility will increase and the potential for crowding is greater. Therefore, the public needs to remain vigilant against measles transmission, especially for children who have not yet received complete immunisation,” he concluded.
Measles remains one of the communicable diseases that must be monitored, particularly in children. The disease is caused by Morbillivirus infection and is highly contagious. Symptoms include fever, cough, and runny nose before developing into a rash across the entire body, which can lead to serious complications.