Health officials in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province, Indonesia, are responding to a measles outbreak, with 985 suspected cases reported through the seventh week of 2026. The outbreaks are concentrated in the cities and regencies of Bima and Dompu, which have now been declared to be experiencing an Extraordinary Event (KLB), the Indonesian equivalent of a public health emergency.
Two deaths attributed to measles have been confirmed in Bima Regency, according to Dr. Lalu Hamzi Fikri, Head of the NTB Provincial Health Office. This outbreak underscores the continued global challenge of preventing measles, a highly contagious and potentially serious disease.
Dr. Fikri explained that several factors are contributing to the increase in cases, including incomplete measles-rubella (MR) immunization among children. “Peningkatan kasus dipengaruhi oleh beberapa faktor, antara lain masih adanya kelompok anak yang belum mendapatkan imunisasi campak-rubella (MR) lengkap,” he said on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Fluctuations in routine immunization coverage over recent years have also created a vulnerable population, officials say. Increased population mobility at the beginning and end of the year, delays in detection and initial response, and environmental and behavioral factors are also playing a role.
The majority of cases are occurring in children under five years of age, particularly those with incomplete or no immunization history. This highlights the critical importance of vaccination in protecting young children from preventable diseases.
In response, the NTB Provincial Government, in collaboration with local governments, is strengthening active surveillance and contact tracing at the village and health center levels. An Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) campaign is underway in all health centers across Bima Regency, Bima City, and Dompu Regency.
The ORI campaign is prioritizing infants and children aged 9 to 59 months. Vitamin A supplementation is also being provided to measles cases to help prevent complications. Officials emphasize that providing vitamin A can help prevent complications.
Public education efforts are being intensified to raise awareness about the symptoms of measles and the importance of complete immunization. Residents are urged to seek medical attention immediately if they develop a fever accompanied by cough/cold and rash. “Kita menjamin ketersediaan logistik KLB, termasuk vaksin, vitamin A, serta dukungan tata laksana klinis di fasilitas pelayanan kesehatan (fasyankes),” Dr. Fikri stated, assuring the availability of necessary supplies, including vaccines and vitamin A.
The Mataram City Health Office is also reinforcing triage and isolation protocols in healthcare facilities, focusing on the rapid separation of suspected cases (fever, rash, cough, and cold) in emergency rooms and outpatient settings. Dedicated isolation areas are being established, and immediate treatment is being provided to patients with complications such as difficulty breathing or diarrhea, to prevent intensive transmission, especially during the surge in KLB cases.
