Disease More Transmissible Than Covid-19: One Person Infects 18 Others
Jakarta – Measles cases in Indonesia are surging sharply. The Ministry of Health has recorded 10,453 suspected measles cases with 8,372 confirmed cases and 6 deaths through week eight of 2026.
The transmission rate of measles is far higher than other infectious diseases such as Covid-19. Although mortality rates in adults are relatively low, the disease can be dangerous for children.
The recent surge in measles cases signals declining herd immunity within the population. Health experts from the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition at IPB University have warned of the importance of immunisation to prevent epidemics.
Dr Aisyah Amanda Hanif, lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition at IPB University, explained that measles is one of the most transmissible diseases in the world. A single infected person can transmit the virus to 12 to 18 people who lack immunity.
“Increases in measles cases often indicate that population immunity is declining,” she said in a written statement on Tuesday (10 March 2026).
Aisyah explained that the risk of measles transmission is extremely high. Studies show that approximately 90 per cent of people without immunity to measles are likely to become infected if exposed.
“Therefore, immunisation coverage rates become a key factor in preventing the spread of this disease,” she stressed.
To establish herd immunity, more than 94 per cent of the population must have immunity to measles, either through vaccination or previous infection. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has set a measles immunisation coverage target of at least 95 per cent.
“If immunisation coverage declines, the number of vulnerable individuals increases. When the virus enters a community with many unimmunised people, outbreaks can occur more easily,” she explained.
She also cautioned that measles should not be regarded as a mild illness. The virus spreads through the air and typically enters the body through the respiratory tract.
“Once in the body, the virus multiplies and spreads to various organs. The immune system’s response to this infection subsequently produces the characteristic rash seen in measles patients,” she said.
In some cases, the disease can trigger serious complications, particularly in infants, malnourished children, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Potential complications include pneumonia and encephalitis. Additionally, measles infection can weaken the immune system, making patients more vulnerable to other infections.
“Measles infection can suppress the immune system, making patients more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections, which can worsen their condition and risk death,” she said.
In prevention efforts, vaccination is considered the most effective protective measure. Measles vaccine uses a weakened live virus capable of training the immune system to recognise the virus without causing disease.
After vaccination, the body develops specific antibodies and long-term immune memory. Thus, if exposed to measles virus in the future, the immune system can respond quickly and neutralise the virus before it causes disease.
Scientifically, measles vaccine has effectiveness exceeding 95 per cent after two doses and has been used globally for decades with a good safety record. For children who have not yet received immunisation or whose vaccination is delayed, Dr Aisyah emphasised that immunisation can still be carried out through catch-up vaccination programmes.
She urged the public to ensure children receive complete measles immunisation, promptly conduct catch-up immunisation if delayed, recognise early symptoms of measles, and isolate suspected measles patients to prevent transmission to others.
“Measles is a disease that can be prevented by vaccine. With high immunisation coverage and good public awareness, measles transmission can be prevented,” she said.