Jakarta, NU Online
Indonesia is experiencing a resurgence of measles, with health officials reporting 10,453 suspected cases, 8,372 confirmed cases, and four deaths between January and early March 2026. The outbreak spans 29 districts/cities across 11 provinces, triggering 45 extraordinary events (KLB) related to the disease. This increase in measles cases highlights the importance of vaccination and public health vigilance.
The primary driver behind the increase in measles cases is uneven immunization coverage across different regions of the country, according to Endang Budi Hastuti, Director of Immunization at the Ministry of Health.
Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the morbillivirus, an RNA virus that attacks the respiratory system. Its high contagiousness is due to a reproduction number (R0) of approximately 17-18, meaning one infected person can transmit the virus to many others in a short period.
“Measles is transmitted through droplets from an infected person, particularly when coughing or sneezing, and through contact with contaminated objects,” explained Endang during a webinar titled Campak Bisa Dicegah, Ayo Jaga Anak dan Keluarga (Measles Can Be Prevented, Let’s Protect Children and Families) on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
The disease has a relatively short incubation period, often going unnoticed in its early stages. The average incubation period for measles is around 10 days, with fever typically appearing around the 15th day after exposure and a rash developing around the 18th day.
“The main symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, a maculopapular rash on the skin, and itching. Some patients may also experience diarrhea,” she added.
Several factors increase a person’s risk of contracting measles, with incomplete measles-rubella immunization being a major contributor. “The biggest risk factor is a child who has not received a complete measles-rubella immunization. Close contact with an infected person, poor nutritional status, and a lack of clean and healthy living behaviors also increase the risk of transmission,” she stated.
Health officials emphasize that measles should not be considered a mild illness, as it can lead to serious complications. “Common complications include pneumonia or lung infection, severe diarrhea leading to dehydration, middle ear infections that can cause hearing loss, and brain inflammation, which can be fatal,” she said.
Treatment for measles typically focuses on supportive care, such as vitamin A supplementation and symptomatic treatment to relieve symptoms.
Niken Wastupalupi, Director of Health Promotion at the Ministry of Health, reinforced that immunization remains the most effective way to prevent measles. The government has established a vaccination schedule for children, with the first dose administered at 9 months of age and the second dose at 18 months.
“Measles-rubella immunization is the most effective step to prevent transmission. Children must be immunized according to the schedule to have sufficient immunity to the measles virus,” she said.
Wastupalupi noted that the surge in measles cases serves as a reminder that controlling infectious diseases requires collaboration between health authorities, community organizations, and parents. “Without high immunization coverage and the adoption of clean and healthy living behaviors, the potential for the re-emergence of preventable diseases will continue to threaten public health,” she concluded.
