Health Office Identifies 34 Children Testing Positive for Measles in Garut District
The Health Office (Dinkes) of Garut District reported the discovery of 34 confirmed cases of measles in children based on laboratory examination results from the West Java Provincial Health Laboratory (Labkesda). The cases were detected throughout the period from January to February 2026.
The Secretary of the Health Office of Garut District, Yodi Sirojudin, stated that despite the discovery of dozens of cases, conditions in his area remain relatively safe and controlled compared to other regions. To date, there have been no reported deaths from these cases.
The discovery of cases began when several children presenting with illness symptoms were brought to health centres (Puskesmas). Health workers who suspected measles symptoms immediately collected blood samples for laboratory testing.
“The results showed that 34 children tested positive from the West Java Provincial Health Laboratory examination. However, they have now recovered after receiving intensive care,” Yodi stated on Tuesday (10 March).
He added that measles in Garut District has not spread massively due to rapid response. However, vigilance remains heightened to prevent severe illness symptoms through the Immunisable Disease Prevention Programme (PD3I).
As a preventive measure, the Garut Health Office has intensified measles vaccination campaigns targeting infants and young children. The vaccination coverage rate has reportedly reached thousands of target beneficiaries.
The Health Office has also implemented a “ring vaccination” strategy, strengthening immunisation coverage in areas where positive cases were identified. Health workers will conduct measles ring vaccination, particularly among toddlers and school-age children, whilst continuing education campaigns encouraging mothers to have their children regularly examined at health facilities.
The Garut Health Office has urged the public, particularly parents with young children, to promptly complete their children’s immunisation status. Immunisation is considered the most effective method to prevent measles transmission, which can trigger serious complications.
The regional government is committed to continuing the expansion of immunisation coverage to ensure that Garut District remains free from the threat of measles outbreaks in the future.