Kudus Health Office Urges Residents to Prevent Measles through Immunisation

Kudus (ANTARA) - The Kudus District Health Office (Dinkes) in Central Java is urging the public to prevent the spread of measles by ensuring children’s immunisations are complete, following the discovery of 464 cases up to 13 March 2026. “For parents, especially those with children under five years old whose immunisations are incomplete, please bring your child to get the measles vaccine immediately,” said the Head of the Kudus District Health Office, Abdul Hakam, in Kudus on Thursday. According to Dinkes data, the total of 464 cases consists of 257 cases in boys and 207 in girls. This increase is suspected to be related to the low vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, which only reached around 10 percent of the target. In addition, he said, the high level of social interaction during the 2026 Eid holidays also became a triggering factor for the spread. “Although there are currently many measles cases found, it is still considered safe because there are no cases resulting in death, although some have been treated in the ICU. Nevertheless, the public must remain vigilant and complete their vaccinations,” he stated. He explained that measles vaccination has three important stages: at 9 months, 2 years, and 5 years. Parents are advised not to miss these stages to ensure maximum child protection. The initial symptoms of measles are generally marked by high fever for two to three days, followed by the appearance of spots on the skin. The public is asked to be alert if a child experiences fever from the first day and to immediately seek medical attention at a health facility if spots begin to appear. Dinkes also reminds that measles can cause serious complications, such as dehydration, seizures, and disorders of the lungs and brain that could threaten life. “The risk of measles is quite severe, both in children and adults. It can cause severe dehydration leading to death, as well as complications in the lungs and brain,” he said. For this reason, Dinkes Kudus hopes that all toddlers in the area can receive measles vaccinations through services at Puskesmas or Posyandu. Vaccination strengthening efforts are also focused on several areas, such as Jekulo Subdistrict, Kaliwungu, southern Jati, and Dawe. Although the number of cases is increasing, Dinkes states that it has not yet declared an extraordinary event (KLB) to avoid panic in the community. However, vigilance and preventive measures continue to be enhanced.