Measles Outbreak in Indonesia 2025: A Real Threat We Must Be Aware Of

In total, there were 2,139 suspected cases, 205 confirmed cases, and 17 deaths. One of the hardest-hit areas was Sumenep, East Java, with over 2,000 suspected cases and 17 children reported dead.

This fact proves that measles—often considered an “old disease”—is still far from being under control. It remains a serious threat, especially for children who have not received complete immunization.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. The virus lives in the nose and throat of infected individuals and spreads through the air or direct contact.

When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes, the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours and infect anyone without immunity.

While most people recover within 7–10 days, measles should never be underestimated, as its complications can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of measles

Measles symptoms usually appear gradually. Early warning signs include:

• high fever above 40°C;
• dry cough;
• runny nose;
• red, watery eyes;
• fatigue and weakness;
• sore throat;
• muscle pain and headache.

Afterwards, Koplik spots (tiny, red spots with white centers) may appear inside the mouth. Another hallmark symptom is a red rash that typically emerges 3–5 days after the initial signs, starting from the face and spreading across the body.

Some patients may also experience digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting.

Measles complications: not to be taken lightly

Complications from measles range from mild to severe, and in some cases, can be fatal. The highest risks are among children under five and adults over 30, especially those with poor nutrition or weakened immune systems.

Serious complications include:

• Ear infections.
• Bronchitis or laryngitis.
• Pneumonia (lung infection).
• Dehydration from severe diarrhea.
• Encephalitis (brain inflammation).
• Blindness from eye damage.
• SSPE (Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis): a rare but fatal nervous system infection appearing years after measles infection.
• MIBE (Measles Inclusion Body Encephalitis): brain inflammation affecting people with weak immune systems.
• Death from severe complications.

For pregnant women, measles may cause premature birth or low birth weight.

Preventing measles: vaccination is the key

To this day, vaccination remains the most effective, safe, and affordable method for preventing measles. Two vaccines are commonly used:

• MR (Measles-Rubella): protects against measles and rubella.
• MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella): protects against measles, rubella, and mumps.

According to the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI), the measles/MR/MMR immunization schedule is as follows:

For children

• First dose (MR) at 9 months.
• Booster dose (MR/MMR) at 18 months.
• Another booster at 5–7 years.

For adults

• Two doses of MMR vaccine (0.5 ml), given under the skin or into the muscle.
• The second dose is administered 28 days after the first.
• This vaccine is proven safe, even for adults who have never received a measles immunization before.

What can we do?

To prevent future outbreaks, the following steps are crucial:

• Ensure children receive complete immunizations according to the recommended schedule.
• Visit a doctor immediately if children or family members show measles symptoms.
• Maintain hygiene and strengthen the immune system with a healthy diet, enough rest, and regular handwashing.
• Support mass immunization campaigns organized by the government and healthcare workers.

The measles surge in 2025 highlights that this disease is still a serious threat in Indonesia. While measles is preventable through vaccination, challenges remain in the form of low immunization coverage and a lack of public awareness.

We all play an important role in preventing measles, starting from ensuring our children receive complete vaccinations to spreading accurate information about the benefits of immunization.

Let’s protect our families from measles. Make sure your children receive their vaccines on time.

GWS Medika, a health clinic in Jakarta, provides various types of vaccines to safeguard your health and your family’s well-being.

Don’t wait—prevention is always better than a cure!