Health Minister Budi Warns of the Dangers of Measles: One Person Can Spread to 18 Others

North Nias — Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has reminded the public to beware of measles, a disease with a very high transmission rate, especially among children. Measles can spread rapidly if not prevented through immunisation, he said during a visit to PHTC RSUD Tafauri in North Nias on Friday, 6 March 2026. ‘Measles is the most contagious disease. One person can transmit it to up to 18 others,’ Budi said. He explained that the contagion rate for measles is much higher than other infectious diseases such as Covid-19. Although the fatality rate among adults is relatively low, the disease can be dangerous for children. ‘The fatality rate is indeed low in adults, but in children it can be high. So we must not let our children contract measles,’ he added. Budi emphasised that the disease can be prevented through immunisation and urged the public not to be swayed by misinformation about vaccines. ‘The vaccine is already available. So don’t fall for misinformation about vaccines,’ he said. He also urged people to vaccinate to protect children from this contagious disease. ‘I urge you to help socialise that measles is dangerous and can be prevented with immunisation,’ he said. He added that parents play a crucial role in ensuring their children receive vaccines according to the immunisation schedule.