Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A measles outbreak has hit Sumenep Regency in Madura, East Java, prompting the provincial government to declare an extraordinary event (KLB) after recording 2,035 infections and 17 child deaths.
Achmad Syamsuri, head of Disease Prevention and Control at the Sumenep Health Office, said mass vaccination will be the main step to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease.
“Vaccinations will be carried out at 26 community health centers across the mainland and islands of Sumenep, as well as three hospitals, starting August 25, 2025, following a cross-sectoral meeting today,” Syamsuri told DetikHealth.
The campaign will target 78,569 children aged 9 months to 6 years and run for 21 days, from August 25 to September 14. Additional satellite clinics will be deployed to reach remote island communities.
“We have instructed all health center heads to prepare, and starting tomorrow, vaccines will be distributed to each location,” Syamsuri added.
Authorities have secured around 18,000 vials, equal to more than 80,000 doses, which officials say will be sufficient for the emergency program.
The Sumenep administration has dispatched special teams to five affected areas and urged residents to maintain hygiene and follow health protocols to reduce the risk of transmission.
Meanwhile, Sumenep Health Office head Ellya Fardasah said medical personnel are being mobilized alongside cross-sectoral agencies. Religious and community leaders are also being engaged to encourage public participation.
“This outreach is crucial because our evaluation shows the outbreak stems largely from low awareness about measles immunization among parts of the community,” Ellya said.
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Measles is caused by a virus spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is among the most contagious diseases in the world, with a reproduction rate (R0) of 17–18, meaning one infected individual can transmit the virus to as many as 18 others.
With cases continuing to rise, officials are urging parents to ensure their children receive vaccinations in hopes of slowing the outbreak and preventing further deaths.
(Raidi/Agung)
