Health Ministry Warns Influencer Ruce Nuenda Who Has Measles but Is Active

JAKARTA — The Indonesian Health Ministry has warned about the actions of influencer Ruce Nuenda who continues to work while infected with measles. Acting Director General of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry, Andi Saguni, said that one person with measles can spread the virus to 12-18 people around them. ‘Measles has a very high level of transmissibility. From one person, it can spread to 12 to 18 others,’ Andi said at a virtual press conference on Friday (6 March 2026).

Therefore, someone suffering from measles should limit outdoor activities until they are declared recovered.

‘Thus, if you are sick, it is better to hold back and limit activities until you are truly recovered to avoid spreading it to family or those around you,’ Andi said.

‘As an influencer, that should not be done, because it could affect public perception and behaviour,’ he added.

Because this has happened, Andi advised people who met the public figure to monitor their health independently.

‘So, ideally, those who already met and came into contact with the public figure while they were ill should monitor their health on their own,’ Andi urged.

Ruce later issued an apology via Instagram Story.

‘Friends, I would like to offer my sincerest apologies if my actions were considered inappropriate,’ Ruce wrote, quoted by Kompas.com, Thursday (5 March 2026).

He explained that he had undergone a hospital check-up. According to Ruce, doctors advised resting at home and that hospital admission was not required.

‘I went to the Emergency Department for a check, and even asked for admission. However, based on the doctor’s evaluation, my condition did not require inpatient care and I just needed to rest, take medications, use a cream, and keep a distance from my child at home,’ he wrote.

Ruce also acknowledged that he only understood the impact of measles after receiving many warnings from netizens.

‘I realise that I should not have left the house, not even for exercise,’ he said.

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