N. Jakarta Health Rapidly Handles Measles Cases in Semper Barat

The North Jakarta Health Sub-agency acted quickly to handle the discovery of two measles cases in Semper Barat Urban Village, Cilincing Sub-district.

Semper Barat was declared to have ended on September 15

This is a follow-up to the alert letter regarding the Extraordinary Event (KLB) issued by the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) on August 29.

North Jakarta Health Sub-agency Acting Head, Ratna Sari said measles is confirmed when at least two cases are found, and laboratory confirmation of measles is positive with epidemiological link evidence.

Council Appreciates Health Agency for Measles Quick Handling

"The first measles case was detected in August. Then the Ministry of Health declared measles, after 42 cases increased in regencies/cities, including two cities in Jakarta," she expressed, Tuesday (9/16).

She explained, two cases of measles were found in Semper Barat Urban Village, North Jakarta. They immediately conducted a quick community survey (SCK) and Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI), as well as socialized and educated the community.

"From August 26 to September 3, we also conducted a measles catch-up immunization in Semper Barat for children aged nine months to 13 years," she explained.

She detailed, the measles immunization campaign successfully reached 256 children out of a target of 233 children. Hence, the total coverage for the measles immunization reached 109.8 percent.

"We're grateful that this swift action in Semper Barat was declared to have ended on September 15," she added.

According to her, measles is a disease caused by the morbillivirus and transmitted through the air, which can be in the form of droplets from the mouth, nasal secretions, or contact with contaminated objects.

"Measles immunization must be given on time. The first dose of MR immunization is given at 9 months of age, the second dose at 18 months, and the third dose in 1st grade of elementary school," she continued.

She urged the community not to be afraid of immunization because the measles vaccine is proven to be safe, of good quality, and provided free of charge by the government. Equally important, they are also asked to practice Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (CHLB).

"Hopefully, with preventive efforts and early vigilance, the chain of measles transmission in Indonesia, especially in Jakarta, can be broken," she hoped.