The Danger of Measles: Be Cautious When Touching Children During Eid
Paediatrician specialist Dr Leonirma Tengguna has cautioned the public to exercise greater care when interacting with children during Eid family visits (silaturahmi). She warns that casual habits of touching, kissing, or feeding children can increase the risk of disease transmission, particularly measles, as children’s immune systems have not yet fully developed.
In a statement posted on her Instagram account, Leonirma emphasised that affection towards children should always be accompanied by caution. “It is fine to be fond of other people’s children, but do not kiss, touch, or casually feed them. We do not know what germs are on our hands and whether the food is safe for that child,” she said.
The Gadjah Mada University graduate explained that children have different immune resistance than adults and are therefore more susceptible to disease exposure when in contact with external germs.
For those wishing to interact with children, Leonirma recommends first seeking permission from parents, particularly when offering food, as certain ingredients may trigger allergies or be unsuitable for a child’s health condition. She also emphasised the importance of maintaining hand hygiene before interacting with children, such as by washing hands with soap or antiseptic liquid. The use of face masks is also recommended for those who feel unwell to keep family gatherings safe.
She concluded by reminding that affection towards children need not involve physical contact: “Just give them pocket money. Caring for children does not require touching them, and being considerate should not make them sick,” she said.
Leonirma added that such precautions are important given that several contagious diseases such as measles and influenza are increasing in several regions. Unregulated touching has the potential to accelerate disease transmission, particularly without adherence to Clean and Healthy Living Standards (PHBS in Indonesian).
A measles outbreak has been detected in at least 73 cities across Indonesia, with case numbers continuing to rise. Parents are urged to remain vigilant. The high mobility of the public, particularly during the Eid holiday period, is a risk factor that warrants parental concern regarding measles in children.
The recent surge in measles cases is viewed as an indicator of declining herd immunity in the community. Acting Director General of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, Andi Saguni, has called upon the public not to casually touch infants to prevent measles transmission.
Medical experts note that a single infected person can transmit measles to up to 18 other people.