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

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.

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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 (

Yuda Pratiwi Setiawan

Medan Measles Outbreak: 127 Cases in 5 Months