August 7, 2025 | 10:55 am
Measles outbreak has hit North Sumatra in Indonesia with 1,191 suspected measles cases reported from January to July 10, 2025. Out of these cases, 362 were confirmed as measles and 10 as rubella.
Quoted from the North Sumatra Provincial Health Office website, a state of Emergency (KLB) has been reported in 12 regencies and cities in North Sumatra. The highest number of positive cases were in Medan with 159 cases, Deli Serdang with 101 cases, and Tebing Tinggi with 16 cases. Most cases affected children aged 1 to 9 years, with 56 cases having no history of MR immunization.
According to WebMD, measles is an infection caused by a virus. The measles virus lives in the mucus of the nose and throat. The disease spreads through the air and direct contact with an infected person. The virus can remain active on surfaces and in the air for up to 2 hours.
Measles Symptoms
Measles typically develops gradually over about 2-3 weeks. During the first 10-14 days after being exposed to the virus, a person may not show any symptoms, which is the incubation period.
The first sign of infection is usually high fever after the incubation period. The fever can last for 4 to 7 days. During this period, the person may also experience other symptoms such as runny nose, red eyes, sore throat, and small white spots inside the mouth.
Following these symptoms, a red, bumpy rash will appear. It usually starts at the hairline and spreads to the neck, body, limbs, legs, and arms. As the rash spreads, the fever may spike to 40 degrees Celsius or higher. The rash will start to fade from the face and spread downward. Measles is contagious for 8 days, four days before and after the rash appears.
Causes and Risk Factors of Measles
Measles spread quickly and easily, and a person can get infected by being near an infected person. Transmission occurs through coughing and sneezing, or by touching the infected person's nasal or mouth fluids.
This infectious disease virus can survive on surfaces for up to 2 hours. You can get infected by touching these surfaces and then rubbing your nose, eyes, or mouth.
The risk of getting measles is higher if one is not vaccinated, especially if they are young or pregnant. Traveling abroad and living in areas with a low vaccination rate also pose a risk. Additionally, being in an area with an outbreak or a low vaccination rate increases the risk of getting measles. Other risks include low vitamin A levels and having a weakened immune system due to other conditions or medical treatment
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