Health officials are warning of a surge in measles cases, with symptoms often initially resembling the flu. This poses a challenge for early detection and containment of the highly contagious virus, which can lead to serious complications.
Dr. Putri Mutiara Sari, a general practitioner at RS Sari Asih Cipondoh, explained that measles frequently presents as a common cold in its early stages, followed by a high fever. These initial symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Following the flu-like symptoms, individuals may experience a dramatic fever, potentially reaching 40°C (104°F), along with respiratory issues and eye irritation. These respiratory symptoms include a dry cough, nasal congestion, and red, watery eyes, according to Dr. Sari.
A key indicator of measles is the presence of Koplik’s spots – small, white-grayish spots with a red base found inside the mouth, specifically on the inner cheeks. These spots typically appear one to two days before the characteristic measles rash becomes visible.
“The measles rash usually begins on the face and behind the ears, then spreads downward to cover the entire body, including the legs, over about a week,” Dr. Putri Mutiara Sari said Saturday in Tangerang.
If a diagnosis of measles is confirmed, the primary focus should be on ensuring comfort and supporting recovery through complete rest and isolation to prevent further spread. Preventing dehydration is also crucial, as high fevers and mouth sores can discourage drinking. Regular intake of water, warm soup, or fruit juice is recommended, along with fever-reducing medication as advised by a doctor.
“Avoid giving aspirin to children due to the risk of potentially fatal complications,” Dr. Sari cautioned.
Parents should seek immediate medical attention if a high fever persists for more than three days, or if the child exhibits severely dry lips, infrequent urination, difficulty breathing, chest pain, extreme weakness, loss of consciousness, or seizures.
“Without proper medical treatment, measles can develop into ear infections, pneumonia, or encephalitis – inflammation of the brain,” Dr. Sari added.
The Tangerang City Health Office has issued an appeal urging children experiencing measles symptoms to stay home from school to limit transmission, following an increase in cases at the beginning of 2026.
Dini Anggraeni, head of the Tangerang City Health Office, stated that measles can spread through both direct contact and airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing.
Since late 2025, Tangerang City has seen a rising trend in measles cases, fluctuating weekly but reaching hundreds of cases each month. “This sharp increase represents a significant concern for local government and the health sector compared to the same period last year,” Anggraeni said.
