Why is there a measles outbreak in Medan, North Sumatra?

Teh measles outbreak in Medan is primarily attributed to low immunization coverage, particularly among elementary school-aged children. Reduced participation in the School Child Immunization Month Program (BIAS) has substantially contributed to the surge in measles cases.

How is measles transmitted?

Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through droplets or saliva expelled when an infected person coughs,sneezes,or talks. This makes it crucial to maintain high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks.

How can measles be prevented?

Measles can be effectively prevented through the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine. The Medan Health Office is reinforcing the BIAS program in elementary schools to ensure sustainable prevention.

What steps are being taken to control the measles outbreak in Medan?

The Medan Health Office is increasing socialization and education about the importance of immunization, identifying 'Zero Dose' regions (areas with no basic immunization), reactivating immunization services in healthcare facilities, and conducting active immunization campaigns in areas with low coverage.

Is the measles vaccine safe?

Yes, the vaccines used in national immunization programs are proven to be safe and effective in reducing illness and death from vaccine-preventable diseases. The Medan Health Office emphasizes that every child has the right to protection through immunization.

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respiratory tract

Q: What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles symptoms include fever, sore throat, and a characteristic rash that spreads throughout the body. The infection typically starts in the respiratory tract and is transmitted through saliva droplets.

Health

RSV Vaccines: Safety, Effectiveness & Protection for Seniors & Infants

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor October 4, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

RSV Vaccines Show Meaningful Protection for Vulnerable Populations, New Data Reveal

Berlin, germany ‌ – Recent analyses confirm substantial benefits from newly approved RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccines, ⁤offering significant⁤ protection to infants, young children, older adults, and pregnant individuals. A review of randomized studies indicates the vaccines reduced lower respiratory tract infections by 54‍ percent and lowered the risk of serious disease by 74 percent. Hospital stays linked to RSV were also reduced by 54 percent, according to the ⁣data.

RSV poses the greatest threat to children under⁢ two years old and older adults. “These are encouraging news for two ⁤of the most endangered groups,” stated Dr. KM Saif-UR-Rahman of the University of Galway ⁤in Ireland.

The findings are based ⁤on data from ‌randomized controlled trials, considered the “strongest available”⁤ evidence, according to Kate Olsson, a vaccine⁤ expert at the European Center for Prevention and Disease Control (ECDC). Real-world studies are currently underway to further assess vaccine safety and effectiveness, with additional analyses expected in the coming weeks. (DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD016131)

Germany’s Approach: In Germany,⁣ an RSV vaccine is approved for pregnant women, but cost coverage by statutory ⁣health insurance requires a recommendation ‍from the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO). Currently, STIKO does ⁤ not recommend RSV vaccination for pregnant women. Rather, the commission recommends all newborns and infants receive a dose of the monoclonal antibody Nirsevimab either before or during their first RSV season (typically ⁣October to march).For babies born between April and‌ September, STIKO advises administering Nirsevimab in the autumn ‌prior to the season’s start, ⁢and as soon as possible after birth for those born during the season.

STIKO does recommend RSV vaccination for individuals aged 75 and‍ over, and for those aged⁢ 60 and over with underlying health conditions that‌ increase their risk of ‌severe ‍illness. Detailed information‍ is⁣ available on the RKI website.(https://www.rki.de/SharedDocs/FAQs/DE/Impfen/RSV/FAQ_Liste_RSV.html?nn=16777208#entry_16918914)

sources: STIKO: Epidemiologisches Bulletin 04/2025, Information on‌ RSV, Frequently asked questions about RSV vaccination.(https://www.rki.de/DE/Aktuelles/Publikationen/Epidemiologisches-Bulletin/2025/04_25.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=11, https://www.rki.de/DE/Themen/Infektionskrankheiten/Impfen/Impfungen-A-Z/RSV/rsv-node.html, https://www.rki.de/SharedDocs/FAQs/DE/Impfen/RSV/FAQ_Liste_RSV.html?nn=16777208#entry_16918914)

October 4, 2025 0 comments

Health

Vitamin D to prevent respiratory tract infections: what to know

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor August 30, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Vitamin⁢ D⁣ Supplementation Linked‍ to Reduced Respiratory Infection Risk, New⁢ Analysis Shows

Rome, italy – August 30, 2025 – A comprehensive meta-analysis of existing research‌ indicates that vitamin D supplementation may ⁣offer ⁢a protective effect against acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs), including‍ the common cold, influenza, and perhaps COVID-19. The findings, published today, synthesize data from numerous clinical trials and observational studies, adding weight to the growing body of evidence supporting vitamin D’s role in immune ⁤function. As colder months approach and respiratory ⁤illnesses typically surge,understanding the potential benefits of vitamin D becomes increasingly crucial for public ⁢health.

The analysis, encompassing ⁢data from over 56,000 participants across ‌multiple countries, suggests that individuals taking‌ daily or weekly vitamin D supplements experienced a ‍statistically significant reduction in ARTI risk compared to those receiving⁢ a⁤ placebo.‍ While ⁢the effect size varied depending on factors like baseline vitamin D levels and dosage, the ‍overall trend points towards a protective association. This is notably relevant for populations with limited sun exposure, those‌ with darker skin pigmentation, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions that may‍ compromise‍ immune response. Researchers emphasize that maintaining ⁢adequate ⁢vitamin D levels‌ is ⁣a relatively low-cost and accessible strategy that could complement existing preventative measures like vaccination and hygiene practices.

The study revealed that vitamin D supplementation was most ‍effective in individuals who were vitamin D deficient at the start of the trials. ‌ Participants⁤ with sufficient vitamin D levels did not demonstrate the same level of benefit. The analysis did not establish a causal relationship, but the consistent association across multiple studies strengthens the hypothesis that vitamin D plays a vital role in bolstering the immune system’s ability ⁣to fight off respiratory pathogens.

Researchers caution that vitamin⁣ D supplementation ⁢is not a‍ substitute ‌for other preventative measures. “Vitamin D is not a‌ magic bullet,” stated Dr. Elena Rossi, lead author of the analysis. “It’s⁤ one piece of the puzzle. ⁢ A healthy lifestyle,⁤ including a balanced diet,⁢ regular exercise,⁤ and vaccination, remains paramount.” ⁤Further ⁢research is needed to determine optimal dosage levels and identify specific populations who would benefit most from supplementation.

August 30, 2025 0 comments

Health

Medan Measles Outbreak: 127 Cases in 5 Months

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 3, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

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Measles Outbreak Declared in Medan, North Sumatra: Cases Surge in 2025

Table of Contents

Measles Outbreak Declared in Medan, North Sumatra: Cases Surge in 2025

Medan, north Sumatra is experiencing a measles outbreak, with the Health Office (DHO) reporting a meaningful increase in cases. From January to May 2025, the city recorded 127 measles cases, a notable rise compared to the 104 cases reported in all of 2024. Health officials attribute the outbreak to low immunization coverage, particularly among elementary school children.

Measles Cases on the Rise

The Medan City health Office,through the Head of Disease Prevention and Control Division (P2P),Pocut Fatimah Fitri,confirmed the increase in measles cases. The surge has prompted increased vigilance and strategic interventions to control the spread of the highly contagious viral disease.

Did You Know? Measles cases are rising globally. The European Region reported over 127,000 cases in 2024, the highest number in over 25 years [1].

Understanding Measles: Symptoms and Transmission

Measles, caused by the Morbillivirus virus, is characterized by fever, sore throat, and a distinctive rash across the body. The infection begins in the respiratory tract and spreads through airborne saliva droplets. “This virus can be transmitted easily through droplets or splash of saliva from the mouth and nose of measles patients, which comes out when coughing, sneezing, or talking,” explained Pocut Fatimah Fitri.

Key Facts About Measles Transmission:

Highly contagious through respiratory droplets.
Spreads via coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Infection starts in the respiratory tract.

Low Immunization Coverage: A Major Trigger

According to Pocut, a primary factor contributing to the measles outbreak is the lack of sufficient immunization coverage, especially among elementary school children.low participation in the School Child Immunization Month Program (BIAS) has exacerbated the situation.

Pro Tip: Maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial to achieving herd immunity and protecting vulnerable populations from measles.

Prevention Through Vaccination

Measles is preventable through the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine. The Medan Health Office is intensifying the implementation of the BIAS program in elementary schools and Madrasah ibtidaiyah as a sustainable prevention strategy. The BIAS program is conducted twice annually, from August to November, providing measles immunization to first-grade students (

July 3, 2025 0 comments