Health Ministry: Despite 93% Drop in Measles Cases, Surveillance Remains Strict

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Health stated that although there has been a significant decline in suspected and confirmed measles cases in Indonesia, with a 93% reduction in week 12 of 2026 compared to the first week, surveillance is being maintained strictly. This was conveyed by the Acting Director General of Disease Control and Prevention at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Andi Saguni, in Jakarta on Tuesday, in response to public concerns regarding the validity of data during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period. “The surveillance system continues to operate optimally. Monitoring is conducted in real-time through the New All Record (NAR) method and the Early Warning and Response System (SKDR) from health facilities, which is then cross-verified with regional health offices,” he said. Up to week 12 of 2026, daily cases have dropped drastically by 93%, from a peak of 2,220 cases in the first week to 146 cases in mid-March. “This downward trend is consistently monitored in 14 provinces and 10 regencies/cities that experienced surges at the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026,” he stated. AMW is suspected to have been exposed while treating measles patients on 8 March, but continued working despite showing fever symptoms since 18 March. Her condition worsened with the appearance of a rash on 21 March, leading to decreased consciousness, and she ultimately did not survive after being treated in the ICU at Cimacan Hospital. “This case has been laboratory-confirmed positive for measles through testing at Biofarma,” he said. This incident occurred when Cianjur Regency recorded a total of 15 suspected cases and 10 confirmed measles cases, with the peak in week 10. Nationally, around 8% of measles cases infect the adult group (over 18 years old), where comorbidities and high exposure intensity are triggers for severity risks. As a strategic step, the government is accelerating the analysis of clinical trials for vaccines to expand the measles vaccination programme for adults, particularly medical personnel. “In response to the case affecting the intern doctor, the Ministry of Health is committed to providing measles vaccinations for all internship programme participants. We are also requiring placement venues to ensure the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and to regulate workload and adequate rest rights for health workers handling infectious diseases,” he said. He also reminded of the importance of operational discipline to prevent transmission. If any symptoms appear, no matter how small, report immediately, rest fully, and do not force yourself to work. The Ministry of Health urges the public and health workers who have not been vaccinated to immediately complete their immunisation status to break the chain of transmission.