Bima City Declares Measles Outbreak After Cases Surge, Nine Children Hospitalised

The Bima City Government in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has officially designated measles as an Extraordinary Event (KLB). The declaration follows an increase in cases, with nine children currently being treated across several hospitals.

“Yes, that is correct. Bima City is now experiencing a measles outbreak,” confirmed Ahmad, Head of the Bima City Health Office (Dinkes), when contacted on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Ahmad explained that measles cases were first detected in Bima City in week 52 of 2025, which was in December. Cases then increased significantly in week 7 of 2026, or February.

“So far, cases have reached 361,” he stated.

However, Ahmad continued, the majority of the hundreds of measles cases identified in Bima City remain suspected cases. Samples have been sent for laboratory testing, with results showing negative findings.

“Although we have declared an outbreak, fortunately there have been no deaths from measles,” he said.

Ahmad added that nine people are currently being treated at Bima City General Hospital, PKU Muhammadiyah, and TNI Army Hospital due to measles. All of them are children.

“Nine children remain hospitalised across various hospitals, whilst the others have all recovered,” Ahmad explained.

Ahmad noted that the health office has been conducting Outbreak Response Immunisation (ORI) for children aged 9 months to 59 months, regardless of vaccination status.

“Measles vaccination in Bima City commenced on 5 March 2026, targeting 14,343 children. We are confident that vaccination coverage will be sufficient,” he concluded.