Health Agency Emphasizes the Importance of Measles Prevention
Reported by Aldi Geri Lumban Tobing | Translated by Rizky Mawardi
The Jakarta Health Agency emphasized the importance of measles prevention at home. Various efforts and quick measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the disease.
prevent the spread
Measles cases in Jakarta have reportedly increased recently. There have been 218 confirmed cases of measles and 63 cases of rubella from January to September 2025. However, there have been no deaths reported up to now.
Jakarta Health Agency Head, Ani Ruspitawati, said the agency takes quick action to prevent measles through handling response namely Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI).
West Jakarta Health Sub-agency Promotes Measles Prevention"We have to respond. So we calculate how many children need to be immunized to prevent the spread of the disease," she said, Tuesday (9/9).
She stated that current ORI program is focused on the area with the highest increase in measles cases, namely Kapuk Urban Village, Cengkareng District. The immunization targets approximately 9,000 children, with coverage reaching 77.22 percent.
"The virus that causes measles is the morbillivirus, which is transmitted through the air, cough droplets, nasal secretions, or contaminated objects. It is quite easily and quickly transmitted, and measles can be serious if it affects children," she stated.
Therefore, the key to prevention is immunization. She explained that the first measles immunization is given at 9 months of age, followed by a second dose at 18 months, and a third dose when the child enters elementary school.
"This immunization is very effective in preventing the transmission of measles," she explained.
In addition to immunizations, clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS) are also crucial. Ani urged the public to maintain environmental cleanliness and to make it a habit to wash their hands with soap and running water before going about their daily activities.
"We encourage all families and community leaders to support measles-rubella immunization. We cannot do this alone," she invited.
