Public warned to be vigilant against measles transmission during Eid gatherings

Jakarta — The head of the Jakarta Health Service, Ani Ruspitawati, has urged residents to be vigilant against measles during family visits celebrating Eid al-Fitr.

“One of the key messages is to avoid touching and kissing children, especially infants and toddlers, as their immune systems remain very vulnerable,” said Ani when met in East Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March.

Although no confirmed measles cases have been found in Jakarta, she noted that the disease has been detected in several areas surrounding the capital.

For this reason, she called on residents, particularly those with children, to heighten their vigilance against the disease.

“This remains an important concern for all of us, especially as the holiday approaches,” said Ani.

Previously, Dr Arifianto, a paediatric specialist at Pasar Rebo Public Hospital, revealed that measles has not disappeared because of incomplete immunisation.

He acknowledged that the hospital receives nearly every week patients who require ventilators or intensive care unit (ICU) admission due to measles.

Arifianto also stated that children who have not been exposed to various viruses or bacteria must be introduced to vaccines so that their antibodies develop. Thus, when they contract a disease, their bodies are able to ward it off.

The measles-rubella immunisation is administered in three doses: when the child is 9 months old, followed by booster doses when the child is 18 months and 6-7 years old.