…Without proper medical treatment, measles can develop into ear infections and pneumonia, even encephalitis, or brain inflammation.
Tangerang (ANTARA) – Dr. Putri Mutiara Sari, a general practitioner at RS Sari Asih Cipondoh, stated that measles symptoms often initially resemble a common cold, followed by a high fever, typically appearing seven to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
She added that after the initial flu-like symptoms, a combination of other symptoms often develops, including a drastic fever that can spike as high as 104°F (40°C). These are usually accompanied by respiratory and eye symptoms, such as a dry cough, nasal congestion and red, watery eyes.
Another indicator of measles is Koplik’s spots, which appear as small white-grayish spots with a red base inside the mouth, specifically on the inner cheeks. These spots are a strong sign of measles and typically appear one to two days before the external rash becomes visible.
“The spreading red rash usually first appears on the face and behind the ears, then spreads down the body to the legs over about a week,” said Dr. Putri Mutiara Sari in Tangerang on Saturday.
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Once a measles diagnosis is confirmed, the primary focus should be on ensuring comfort and accelerating recovery through complete rest and isolation to prevent further transmission.
Preventing dehydration is crucial, as high fever and mouth sores often make children reluctant to drink. Regular intake of water, warm soup, or fruit juice is recommended, along with fever-reducing medication as directed by a doctor. “Avoid giving aspirin to children due to the risk of fatal complications,” she said.
But, if a high fever persists for more than three days, a child should be taken to a doctor immediately. Other key reasons to seek medical attention include severely dry lips, infrequent urination, and respiratory problems such as shortness of breath or chest pain. A child should be seen by a doctor if they appear very weak, unconscious, or experiencing seizures.
“Without proper medical treatment, measles can develop into ear infections and pneumonia, even encephalitis, or brain inflammation,” she said.
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Previously, the Tangerang City Health Office issued an appeal for children experiencing measles symptoms to stay home from school to prevent wider transmission, due to a surge in cases at the beginning of 2026.
Dini Anggraeni, head of the Tangerang City Health Office, said that measles can be transmitted not only through direct contact but also through the air via droplets from coughing and sneezing.
She stated that measles cases in Tangerang City have been trending upward since late 2025 and remain fluctuating weekly, with hundreds of cases reported each month.
“What we have is a sharp increase compared to the same period last year. The surge is a serious concern for local government and the health sector,” she said.
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Pewarta: Achmad Irfan
Editor: Bernadus Tokan
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