UGM health expert urges public not to underestimate measles
Dr Ratni Indrawanti, a lecturer at the Department of Paediatric Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has urged that the rise in measles cases must be treated seriously. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to dangerous complications.
From the start of the year through 23 February 2026, the Ministry of Health recorded 8,224 suspected measles cases. During this period, 21 outbreaks (KLB) were reported in 17 regencies/cities across 11 provinces.
“From 8,000 cases this is serious and must be handled seriously. However, if surveillance is good, case management is prompt, and vaccination coverage is increased, it can be controlled and not become a health emergency,” Ratni said on Sunday, 8 March 2026.
According to Ratni, a health emergency is declared when a rise in cases is rapid and widespread, causing serious impacts such as deaths and is difficult to control without a large government response.
The Ministry recorded 13 outbreaks in six provinces that have been confirmed by laboratory testing. The five provinces with the most outbreaks were West Sumatra, South Sumatra, DI Yogyakarta, West Java, and Central Java.
According to Ratni, a decline in vaccination coverage is a major driver of rising measles cases. This decline is influenced by factors such as limited access to health services, long distances to facilities, and reduced immunisation activities within communities. In addition, misinformation about vaccines on social media has affected public confidence in immunisation.
Ratni emphasised that measles should not be regarded as a mild disease. If not properly addressed, it can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and even death.
“Many people underestimate measles. If not managed properly, this disease can lead to pneumonia and even death,” Ratni said.
Measles is highly contagious. The virus spreads via airborne droplets and can survive in enclosed spaces for up to about two hours after the patient leaves the location. In certain conditions, one measles case can infect as many as 18 people nearby.
“The transmission is very rapid because the measles virus spreads through the air. In enclosed spaces, the virus can persist for up to two hours and risk transmission to others nearby,” Ratni said.
According to Ratni, most measles cases in Indonesia are found in areas with low immunisation coverage. Indonesia’s geography, consisting of many small islands, also poses challenges for vaccine distribution and dissemination of health information to communities.
She warned that if the decline in immunisation continues, the impact on public health could be very serious. In addition to increasing the number of children without immunity, this could trigger more outbreaks and raise child mortality.
Measles can also cause long-term complications such as encephalitis, seizures, and pneumonia, which could lower the health prospects of future generations. The groups most at risk of severe complications include infants, malnourished children, and those who have not received vaccination.
Additionally, someone who has recovered from measles can experience immune amnesia, whereby the immune system forgets some protection against other diseases previously fought by the body. This makes a person more susceptible to a range of other infections.
To prevent transmission, Ratni stressed the importance of following the measles immunisation schedule at 9 months, 18 months, and 5 years to ensure optimal immunity.
She also reminded the public to take simple preventive measures, such as wearing a mask when coughing or sneezing, regularly washing hands, and enhancing health education within the family environment. “We must be aware together. If you have a cough and cold, you should wear a mask, wash your hands, remind children and grandchildren to vaccinate, maintain immunity, and provide accurate health education to the public,” she said.
The Ministry of Health urged the public to remain vigilant against measles transmission ahead of the mudik period and Lebaran holidays. Increased mobility and crowds are expected to raise the risk of transmission.
“Therefore, the public needs to stay vigilant against measles transmission, especially in children who have not completed immunisation,” said Andi Saguni, Director-General for Disease Prevention and Control, in a press release on Saturday, 7 March 2026.
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