Measles Outbreak in Bima Exceeds 546 Cases with 1 Death, Health Minister Shocked
Indonesia’s Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin expressed surprise at the global and national surge in measles cases, including an outbreak in Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). Bima Regency currently maintains the status of an Extraordinary Event (KLB) for measles, with 546 confirmed cases and one recorded death.
“I was shocked because the whole world is experiencing an increase. Indonesia is experiencing an increase. Bima is also experiencing an increase,” said Budi during a visit to Bima City General Hospital on Friday (27 February 2026).
According to the Minister, measles cases last year totalled approximately 40 cases for the entire year. However, in January alone this year, there were already approximately 40 cases. The numbers continued rising to around 50 cases by February. Reports indicate two children have died from measles.
“From what I understand, to date two children have already died from measles,” said Budi.
The Health Minister explained that measles is one of the most contagious and rapidly spreading diseases compared to COVID-19. According to him, when one person contracts measles, they can transmit it to 10 to 12 other people, whereas COVID-19 is transmitted to only two to three others.
“Although measles is not particularly dangerous for adults, it is highly vulnerable and presents a fatal risk for children,” he stated.
Budi added that to contain the wider spread of measles and prevent deaths, the Ministry of Health will distribute vaccines extensively across 100 districts and cities. The vaccines will be administered to children under five years of age.
“We target completing immunisation by June this year. With immunisation, measles is easily preventable,” he added.
In Bima Regency, measles has remained at outbreak status with case numbers continuing to rise. According to data from the Disease Prevention and Control Division (P2P) of Bima Regency Health Service dated Friday 27 February 2026, cases have reached 546. At the time of the outbreak declaration, the number was only 306 cases.
“To date, there are 546 measles cases with one death in Bima Regency,” said the Head of P2P at Bima Health Service, Alamsyah.
Bima Regency previously declared the measles outbreak as a public health emergency. This followed the discovery of 306 measles cases that resulted in one death.
The outbreak declaration was made at a coordination meeting, based on the rising trend of measles cases over a four-month period from October 2025 to 31 January 2026. The cases are predominantly concentrated in under-five age groups, with breakdown figures showing: children under one year at 12.42 per cent, ages 1-5 years at 66.34 per cent, and ages 6-12 years at 15.69 per cent.
“The age group most vulnerable to measles exposure is children aged 1 to 5 years. Based on data and evidence, more than 66 per cent were affected,” it was noted.