Ministry of Health Issues Alert on Measles After Death of Young Doctor from the Disease

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has issued Circular Number HK.02.02/C/1602/2026 on Vigilance against Measles for Medical Personnel and Health Workers. This step was taken in response to the increasing number of measles cases and the death of AMW, a young doctor serving at Pagelaran Regional General Hospital in Cianjur, due to measles. “With the rising measles cases and high hospitalisation rates, medical personnel and health workers are a high-risk group,” said Acting Director General of Disease Control and Prevention, Andi Saguni, in a press statement on Monday (30/3/2026). “Kemenkes has conducted Outbreak Response Immunisation (ORI) and Catch-Up Campaign (CUC) for Measles/MR in 102 districts/cities targeting children aged 9 to 59 months,” he added. Nevertheless, Andi stated that vigilance must be heightened, particularly in healthcare facilities. The circular instructs hospitals and health service facilities to strengthen preventive measures, including early screening and triage, preparing isolation rooms, ensuring the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), and reinforcing infection control systems. “We urge all health workers to remain disciplined in implementing prevention protocols and to immediately report any suspected cases. A rapid response is crucial to prevent wider transmission,” said Andi. Kemenkes emphasises that all suspected measles cases must be reported within a maximum of 24 hours through the established surveillance system. Andi explained that from 19 to 21 March 2026, the young doctor insisted on coming to work and served for three days in the Emergency Department (ED) handling suspected measles patients. His condition continued to deteriorate until on 25 March at 22.00 WIB, he was brought to the Cianjur Hospital ED by his family in a state of decreased consciousness starting one hour prior. On 26 March, AMW’s condition continued to decline until he was pronounced dead at 11.30 WIB. On 28 March 2026, the diagnosis confirmed that AMW was positive for measles with severe complications affecting the heart and brain.