March 18, 2026 | 01:50 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The surge in measles cases across Indonesia throughout 2025 and early 2026 has raised alarms over severe complications in children. Beyond its typical symptoms, the disease carries the potential to trigger life-threatening conditions, including pneumonia, acute dehydration, and encephalitis.
"Measles is often dismissed as a common childhood illness, but it can lead to serious complications and even death, particularly in unimmunized children or those with compromised immune systems," said Dr. Venty, Sp.A, CIMI, a pediatrician at Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong, in a statement on Wednesday.
As a highly contagious viral infection, measles spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces, significantly heightening transmission risks in communities with low vaccination rates.
Early symptoms typically mimic the flu, presenting as a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A hallmark sign is the appearance of Koplik spots inside the mouth, followed by a characteristic skin rash that migrates from the face to the rest of the body.
However, clinical vigilance is required for potential complications such as ear infections, severe diarrhea leading to dehydration, pneumonia, and encephalitis, a dangerous inflammation of the brain.
Currently, treatment for measles remains supportive and symptomatic, as there is no specific antiviral cure. Management focuses on sufficient rest, proper nutrition, hydration, and vitamin A supplementation to mitigate the risk of severe outcomes.
Cases involving serious complications require professional medical intervention, especially for infants under six months old and children with weakened immune systems.
Prevention centers on maintaining a clean and healthy lifestyle and adhering to the vaccination schedule recommended by the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), which spans from age nine months through elementary school.
Dr. Margareth Aryani Santoso, MARS, Director of Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong, stated that her facility provides comprehensive pediatric services to assist in the diagnosis and management of various infectious diseases.
She emphasized that early detection and timely immunization are the most critical steps in shielding children from the devastating impacts of the virus.
With cases on the rise, parents are urged to remain vigilant for early symptoms and seek immediate medical consultation if suspicious signs appear to prevent the onset of more serious conditions.
Data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health recorded 63,769 suspected measles cases throughout 2025, with 11,094 confirmed and 69 deaths. By the seventh week of 2026, the ministry tracked 8,224 suspected cases, 572 confirmed infections, and four deaths.
Furthermore, 21 extraordinary health incidents (KLB) involving suspected measles have been reported across 17 districts/cities in 11 provinces. These staggering figures underscore that measles remains a serious threat to the nation's youth.
Read: Health Officials Warn of Increased Measles Risk During Eid Homecoming Travel
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Health Officials Warn of Increased Measles Risk During Eid Homecoming Travel
7 jam lalu
Indonesia encourages children to receive complete measles-rubella (MR) immunization before Eid homecoming to prevent measles.
Rising Measles Cases in Yogyakarta Raise Concerns
3 hari lalu
Cases of measles in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, have shown a significant upward trend in the recent period.
West Java Warns of Measles Spread During Eid Travel
5 hari lalu
The number of positive measles cases in 2025 in West Java reached 1,785 cases, a significant increase compared to the previous year.
Health Expert Warns of Rising Measles Cases in Indonesia
9 hari lalu
Indonesia's Gadjah Mada University (UGM) urges the public to pay serious attention to the increase in measles cases.
Indonesian Health Ministry Warns of Measles Ahead of Eid Holidays
9 hari lalu
As of the eighth week of 2026, the Ministry of Health has recorded 10,453 suspected measles cases, including 8,372 confirmed cases and six deaths.
Sumenep Declares Measles Outbreak: 78,000 Children Targeted for Vaccination
24 Agustus 2025
Based on the latest data, there have been 2,035 measles cases with 17 fatalities in Sumenep, the easternmost regency of Madura Island, East Java.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesian Minister Claims Satisfaction of Hajj Pilgrims Better in 2025 Than Last Year
7 Agustus 2025
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Measles Outbreak in North Sumatra: Understanding the Risk Factors for the Disease
7 Agustus 2025
What are the causes and symptoms of the measles outbreak affecting 12 regencies and cities in North Sumatra, Indonesia?
Jakarta Pushing Measles Vaccination in Slum, High-density Neighborhoods
25 Januari 2023
The Jakarta Health Office is rolling out measles immunization in densely populated and slum areas to curb transmission.
Health Ministry Declares Measles an 'Extraordinary Occurrence'
20 Januari 2023
The Health Ministry declares measles an extraordinary occurrence status (KLB) based on cases across 31 Indonesian provinces.
