Depok Steps Up Vigilance and Prevention of Measles

Depok City Health Office (Dinas Kesehatan) in West Java continues to heighten vigilance and prevention of measles. The Head of Depok Health Office, Devi Maryori, said they monitor cases through an integrated health reporting system. ‘We regularly monitor, verify, and analyse measles through the Early Warning and Response System (SKDR) application and routine surveillance reports,’ Devi said on Sunday (8/3). Devi added that all health facilities, including hospitals, clinics, independent midwives, and individual practitioner doctors, are asked to actively identify, record, report, and manage measles cases accurately. Beyond monitoring, the Department of Health in Depok holds socialisation sessions for health facilities on recording and reporting diseases preventable by immunisation (PD3I). Prevention efforts also include health promotion to the public. ‘Public education is conducted through health promotion publications about measles on social media and videotron to reach more residents,’ Devi explained. Devi emphasised the importance of the public recognising measles symptoms early so they can receive appropriate care promptly. The initial symptoms typically include high fever up to 40 degrees Celsius, accompanied by a blotchy red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the whole body. Patients often experience a dry cough and runny nose. With reports of cases increasing in several regions, public vigilance is key to preventing wider transmission, especially within families, schools, and public places. According to Devi, the number of suspected measles cases in Depok City in 2025 was recorded at 1,365 cases, with 144 cases confirmed through laboratory examination. Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the Morbillivirus, which can spread through droplets when the patient coughs, sneezes, or talks. ‘Transmission is very easy, especially among children, so vigilance and routine immunisation are the main preventive steps against measles,’ stressed Devi. On the other hand, Dr Putri Mutiara Sari, a general practitioner at RS Sari Asih Cipondoh, explained that early measles symptoms often mimic a flu, with high fever, usually emerging seven to 14 days after the child is exposed to the virus. After flu-like symptoms appear, the child then experiences a combination of other symptoms, including a drastic fever that can reach 40°C, a dry cough, nasal congestion, and red, watery eyes. Another characteristic symptom is Koplik spots on the inside of the cheek. The grey-white spots with a red base usually appear one to two days before the red rash is visible on the skin. ‘The red rash spreading usually appears first on the face and behind the ears, then spreads to the entire body within about a week,’ said Dr. Putri Mutiara Sari in Tangerang. (Ant/I-1)