"Measles cases in Jakarta have increased. Thank God, no deaths have been reported to date," said Jakarta Health Office Head Ani Ruspitawati at a seminar themed "Prevent Measles from Our Homes" in Jakarta on Tuesday.
She noted that measles cases were found in Kapuk Village, Cengkareng Sub-district, with a total of 38 confirmed cases.
In response, the Jakarta Health Office, together with regional stakeholders, launched an Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI), or mass measles vaccination program, as part of the Extraordinary Event (KLB) response.
"We calculated how many children needed to be immunized to prevent the spread of measles. We isolated the cases to contain the spread," Ani explained.
According to her, 9,000 children were targeted for immunization, with current coverage at around 77.22 percent. The program is still ongoing.
The immunization program aims to ensure children develop optimal immunity against measles and rubella. Measles immunization shots are given three times: at 9 months, 18 months, and in the first grade of elementary school.
"If there are infants or toddlers in our community aged 9 and 18 months, we encourage them to receive measles or MR immunization. Their immunizations must be complete, as this is a highly effective measure to prevent measles transmission," Ani added.
She further explained that measles is an infectious disease caused by an RNA virus from the Morbillivirus genus, transmitted through the air.
"Droplets from coughs, nasal secretions, or contaminated objects can spread the measles virus. It is highly contagious and spreads rapidly," Ani said.
She warned that measles can become serious when infecting children, leading to ear infections, diarrhea, brain inflammation, corneal damage, pneumonia, and even death. Therefore, it must be prevented early through immunization.
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Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Primayanti
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