Prevent Measles Spread: Health Ministry Urges Public Not to Touch Babies Carelessly During Lebaran

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) in Indonesia reminded the public not to touch babies or young children indiscriminately as one of the vulnerable groups in order to prevent the spread of measles, especially during the upcoming Lebaran holiday. Acting Director General of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, Andi Saguni, said that the habit of touching babies or children, particularly when gathering with family, should be avoided as it can increase the potential for measles transmission.

‘The habit of touching babies and toddlers when we gather, especially during Lebaran, should indeed be reduced or even avoided due to the high risk of transmission,’ Andi said at a press conference on the Update on Measles Cases in Indonesia held online in Jakarta, quoted on Sunday (8/3/2026).

Furthermore, he urged individuals not to engage in gatherings or crowds if they have signs or symptoms consistent with measles.

Individuals with fever or red rash, he said, should avoid contact with healthy people and immediately isolate at home.

‘Especially for individuals with fever symptoms, and signs of suspected measles such as a red rash, should not gather, and should not visit places, including tourist destinations or other crowded places. It is better to stay at home,’ he stressed.

He noted that the pattern of rising measles cases in recent years is closely linked to long holiday periods that trigger social gatherings.

‘We note a link between the incidence of cases and celebrations that involve gatherings. We have seen a trend over the past five years. Cases tend to rise at the beginning of the year, then fall, and rise again around August, September, October, and November,’ he added.

Therefore, he reminded the public once again to promptly have family members checked at health facilities if they show measles symptoms, and to reduce contact with healthy individuals.

‘If any family member or child is sick, take them to a health facility immediately. Reduce contact with healthy people to prevent transmission,’ he said.