Sukabumi Health Department Warns of Measles Outbreak Risk during Eid Travel Season
Sukabumi City’s Health Department is warning that the Eid holiday travel period could trigger potential measles transmission, given the increased population mobility and mass gatherings during this time.
“This is the peak travel season. These conditions could trigger measles spread due to potential increases in mass mobility and gatherings,” said Denna Yuliavina, Head of Disease Prevention and Control at Sukabumi City Health Department, on Monday (16 March).
The Health Department urged residents to remain vigilant and practise clean and healthy living habits, including wearing masks when in crowded areas and maintaining physical distance where possible. “Wearing masks is one prevention measure, along with maintaining distance, eating nutritious food, and practising clean and healthy living habits,” she added.
In Sukabumi City, 23 confirmed measles cases were detected over the past three months. Initially, 32 suspected cases were identified between January and mid-March, but laboratory testing confirmed only 23 positive cases. “From initial detection, there were 32 suspects. However, from laboratory test results, only 23 cases tested positive for measles from January to mid-March this year,” she explained.
Yuliavina noted that this year’s measles case rate has relatively slowed compared to last year, with no recorded fatalities. “Whilst there was an increase in cases last year, this year it has slowed considerably. There have been no deaths from measles in Sukabumi City,” she stated.
Yuliavina emphasised that in 2025, Sukabumi City’s complete basic immunisation coverage has exceeded the national standard at 98.9%. Parents with young children are encouraged to ensure their children receive complete basic immunisation. “Approximately 1.1% of young children or children have not been vaccinated,” she concluded.
No Outbreak Emergency Declared
Despite confirmed measles cases, Sukabumi City has not declared an outbreak emergency. Prevention efforts are being implemented extensively to prevent the disease from spreading widely. “We assess that it is not yet necessary to declare an outbreak emergency given the measles cases. However, intensive prevention efforts are needed to anticipate wider spread,” stated Sukabumi City Health Department Head Ida Halimah.
Based on data, Indonesia ranks second globally in measles cases after Yemen. In West Java province, nine districts have declared outbreak emergencies.