: Illustration of a measles virus cell. (Special Photo)
Jakarta, InfoPublik – Measles remains a significant public health threat due to its high rate of transmission and ability to affect individuals of all ages. Professor Dr. Dr. Anggraini Alam, Sp.A, Subsp.IPT(K), Head of the Division of Infection and Tropical Diseases at the Department of Child Health at Padjadjaran University, explained that measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can spread rapidly when immunization coverage is suboptimal.
The virus causing measles is an RNA virus with distinct characteristics compared to viruses like influenza or COVID-19, which mutate relatively quickly. The measles virus tends to be stable, possessing only one main serotype. This stability is why the measles vaccine, developed in 1954, remains effective today.
“Measles is a disease caused by a virus and is very contagious. This disease doesn’t only affect children, but can affect anyone who doesn’t have immunity,” Anggraini said, also serving as Chair of the Antimicrobial Resistance Control Team at Hasan Sadikin General Hospital in Bandung, during a virtual seminar on the Threat of the 2026 Measles Outbreak: Multidisciplinary Clinical Response and Health System Resilience, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Measles Spreads Extremely Quickly
Anggraini emphasized that measles has one of the highest transmission rates among infectious diseases. A single infected person can transmit the virus to many others, particularly in areas with low immunization coverage. “Measles is very contagious. One person can transmit it to many others,” she explained.
The measles virus spreads through the air via droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Population mobility, inter-regional travel and environmental conditions can also accelerate the spread of the disease.
She illustrated that measles cases can re-emerge when an infected individual travels to another area and transmits the virus to someone without immunity.
Early Symptoms Resemble a Common Cold
In the early, or prodromal, phase, measles symptoms often mimic those of an upper respiratory infection. Individuals typically experience fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes.
a characteristic sign called Koplik spots—small white spots inside the cheeks—appears as an early indicator before the onset of a skin rash. After several days of fever, a reddish rash usually appears on the face and then spreads throughout the body.
According to Anggraini, measles can lead to serious complications, especially in children with malnutrition or weakened immune systems. Potential complications include pneumonia, ear infections, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and neurological disorders that can emerge years after the infection. “Measles can cause various serious complications, making prevention very crucial,” she stated.
Immunization is the Primary Protection
To prevent the spread of measles, Anggraini stressed the importance of completing the recommended immunization schedule. The measles vaccine has proven safe and effective in protecting children from the disease.
In Indonesia, the first measles vaccine is administered at 9 months of age, followed by a second dose at 18 months, and a booster in elementary school. Two doses of the vaccine can provide more than 97 percent protection against measles infection. This high level of protection underscores the importance of vaccination in controlling the disease.
She reminded that immunization coverage must reach at least 95 percent to create herd immunity and prevent outbreaks. “Measles is actually preventable. The most effective way is to ensure children receive immunizations according to schedule,” she said.
Anggraini also urged the public to immediately take children to a healthcare facility if they experience measles symptoms, especially if accompanied by high fever, shortness of breath, or seizures.
She concluded that the best protection for children is to ensure they receive the measles vaccine on time and maintain a healthy environment.
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