Pematangsiantar on Alert as Measles Outbreak Suspected
Pematangsiantar City, North Sumatra – Health officials in Pematangsiantar are responding to a suspected measles outbreak after one confirmed case was identified through laboratory testing. The individual exhibited symptoms including fever and rashes, according to Misran, head of the Pematangsiantar Health Office, who spoke on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
The Pematangsiantar Health Office is actively monitoring for further clinical symptoms and tracing close contacts to contain the potential spread of measles. This action follows standard protocol for responding to suspected outbreaks of infectious diseases, aiming to quickly identify and isolate cases while protecting the wider community.
Misran emphasized the importance of bolstering children’s immune systems and providing care for those exhibiting symptoms or testing positive.”If the positive ones have started to be healthy and treated at home, but we are still monitoring. He has also been vaccinated,” he stated.
To proactively address the situation, the Health office is conducting Measles Rubella (MR) vaccinations for students in elementary and equivalent schools. Despite the critical importance of vaccination, Misran noted that some parents are hesitant to allow their children to be vaccinated.
The surveillance team continues to track suspected cases and identify close contacts for monitoring. Residents are urged to maintain cleanliness and strengthen their immune systems. Individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of measles are advised to immediately report to the nearest Puskesmas (community health center) for prompt treatment.
“If there is a suspected measles immediately reported to the nearest health center where domiciled to be treated immediately,” Misran concluded.