West Nusa Tenggara Health Office Records 985 Suspected Measles Cases
Mataram (ANTARA) – The Health Office of West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB) has recorded 985 suspected measles cases through the seventh week of 2026, all originating from Bima City, Bima Regency, and Dompu Regency.
“The total of 985 suspected measles cases in NTB come from these three areas,” said NTB Health Office Head Lalu Hamzi Fikri in Mataram on Thursday.
Fikri stated that the high number of suspected measles cases is influenced by several factors, one of which is children who have not received complete measles-rubella (MR) immunisation.
According to him, the fluctuation in routine immunisation coverage that has not been optimal in recent years has created an accumulation of vulnerable populations.
“Low immunisation coverage is the primary risk factor for the occurrence of extraordinary outbreaks,” said Fikri.
He further explained that suspected measles cases are dominated by children under five years of age, with most cases occurring in children with incomplete immunisation status or who have never received immunisation.
Additionally, delays in early detection as well as environmental factors and public behaviour have contributed to the increase in cases.
“The government continues to conduct regular monitoring and evaluation until the situation is declared under control,” concluded Fikri.
Measles is an infectious disease caused by the measles virus, Morbillivirus. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Early symptoms of measles resemble the flu, but characteristic symptoms appear several days later in the form of high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes with a red rash. Measles symptoms generally begin on the face and spread to other parts of the body, and there are small white spots inside the mouth.
Increased population mobility and the potential for crowds could increase the risk of disease transmission, particularly among children who have not received complete immunisation.
The government reminds the public to increase vigilance against measles transmission ahead of the 2026 Eid holiday travel period.