Measles outbreak in Sumenep, east Java: Vaccination Efforts Intensify as Cases Rise
Sumenep, East Java – A measles outbreak in Sumenep Regency, East Java, has prompted a large-scale vaccination campaign targeting 90 percent of children in the region. as of August 25, 2025, the outbreak has infected 2,105 children, primarily under the age of five.
The majority of those affected are toddlers, with the average age of patients ranging from two too four years old. Dozens of children are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals.
Ismawati, a mother from Tanah Merah District, shared her experience with Kompas.com, stating her son has been hospitalized for 12 days due to measles. “At first it was hot and brought here, staying three days ago home. but hot again, then brought again until now,” she explained.
The child’s condition is deteriorating, with increasing shortness of breath. He is scheduled to be referred to a hospital in Surabaya for more intensive care.
Health officials initiated the vaccination drive in response to the escalating number of cases. The goal is to immunize 90 percent of children to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease.
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