Measles Cases in West Java Surge, Residents Urged to Exercise Caution During Idul Fitri Travel

Communities in West Java have been advised to remain vigilant against measles transmission during the Idul Fitri 2026 homecoming period. The number of confirmed measles cases in West Java during 2025 reached 1,785 cases, a significant increase compared to 271 cases in the previous year.

Meanwhile, from January to February 2026, the number of measles cases in West Java totalled 252 cases. Vini Adiani, Head of the West Java Provincial Health Service, stated that measles is a highly contagious disease.

Transmission can occur through respiratory droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze, direct contact with the infected person, and touching objects contaminated with the measles virus. A single measles patient can transmit the disease to 12-18 other people.

“Idul Fitri represents a period of massive population movement and gatherings of many people. Therefore, the community must remain vigilant about this disease because it spreads easily,” Vini stated in a written statement on Friday (13 March 2026).

The statement was made by Vini on Wednesday (11 March). The most effective measure to prevent measles is to complete measles immunisation to the second dose before the Idul Fitri travel period, particularly for children aged 9 to 59 months.

Currently, several areas in West Java are conducting CUC (Catch Up Campaign) or Simultaneous Vaccination Drive to combat and prevent measles. The priority target for immunisation is residents aged 9 to 59 months.

For residents who wish to have their children vaccinated against measles, they can visit community health centres (posyandu) or primary health centres (puskesmas), educational facilities such as early childhood centres and kindergartens, places of worship (mosques, churches, and others), as well as Homecoming Service Posts.

In addition to immunisation, adopt PHBS (Clean and Healthy Living Patterns) to prevent measles, such as regularly washing hands with soap and wearing masks when ill. Should anyone show symptoms of measles such as fever and rash, residents are advised to practise PHBS, wash hands with soap, wear masks, and self-isolate.