Ministry warns of measles spike ahead of Eid holiday

Acting Director General for Disease Control at the ministry, Andi Saguni, said the pattern of measles cases in recent years has been closely linked to long holiday periods, which tend to increase community gatherings.

“We observed a correlation between the occurrence of these cases and celebratory gatherings,” Saguni said during an online press conference on measles case updates here on Friday.

According to Saguni, trends over the past five years show that cases usually rise early in the year, decline, and then increase again between August and November.

He explained that measles cases actually began to decline through the eighth week of this year. However, the ministry warned that a potential increase must still be anticipated during extended holidays.

“If there is a toddler or anyone suspected of having symptoms such as a fever followed by a measles rash, it would be better not to travel. With the Eid holiday approaching, the likelihood of people gathering is quite high,” he added.

The ministry recorded 10,453 suspected measles cases in the first two months of 2026, with an additional 506 suspected cases reported in the eighth week.

Consequently, Saguni urged the public to take family members to health facilities immediately if they show symptoms and to reduce contact with healthy individuals.

“If a family member, especially a child, is ill, they should be taken to a health facility immediately. Reduce contact with healthy people to prevent transmission,” he said.

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Translator: Hana, Kenzu