Measles Cases Rising, Governor Khofifah Urges the Public to Be Alert – Communication and Informatics Office of East Java Province

Jatim Newsroom – East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa appealed to all citizens to be aware of measles and rubella which has increased in a number of regions in Indonesia.

Including several areas in East Java where measles cases have increased, such as Batu City, Bangkalan Regency, Magetan Regency, Sampang Regency, Pamekasan Regency, Sumenep Regency, Pasuruan Regency and Probolinggo Regency.

With this condition, Governor Khofifah asked the entire health sector, including the ranks of health offices, hospitals and health services to be prepared and anticipate so that cases of measles in children can be anticipated with integrated management so that the spread does not spread.

He also asked the public to be aware of measles in children by completing the measles-rubella (MR) vaccination status in children.

“We urge the public to be aware of measles and immediately complete the child’s measles rubella (MR) vaccination, because currently there is an increase in measles cases in several areas in East Java,” he explained at the Grahadi State Building, Surabaya, Sunday (22/1 /2023).

Governor Khofifah further stated that the increase in measles cases was due to a significant decrease in immunization coverage during the Covid-19 pandemic, causing many children not to receive complete routine immunizations. Therefore, the East Java Provincial Government will coordinate through districts/cities to identify any developments in cases of measles in children.

“Cases of measles occur due to low coverage of MR/MMR immunization. Therefore, parents must ensure that their children have received complete vaccination coverage,” he emphasized.

Governor Khofifah advised the public if they experience symptoms of fever and rash/red spots, immediately take them to the nearest health center or health care facility.

“This disease is highly contagious, if 1 case is found, then it can infect 12-18 people around it. However, measles is very easily prevented by immunization. Please make sure all children get 3 times the measles immunization, namely at the age of 9 months, 18 months and grade 1 elementary school,” he hoped.

Separately, Kadinkes Prov. East Java Dr. Erwin Astha explained that the East Java Provincial Government through the East Java Health Office had made several efforts to control measles cases in East Java.

“We have provided assistance to affected districts/cities starting from conducting epidemiological investigations to providing recommendations for implementing Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) or providing additional MR immunizations to protect groups of people who are at risk,” he explained.

He added that the East Java Health Office also provided logistics in the form of an MR vaccine for the implementation of Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) in districts/cities that needed it.

“In addition, to prevent the spread of PD3I (Immunization Preventable Diseases), the Governor of East Java has also issued a PD3I outbreak alert letter in July 2022,” said dr. Erwin.

dr. Erwin ensured that the East Java Health Office would carry out monitoring of implementation (ORI) in the affected districts/cities.

“We also encourage district/city Health Offices to increase the coverage of routine immunization that is high and evenly distributed,” he explained.(red)

#Khofifah Indar Parawansa
#Governor of East Java
#Measles Disease in East Java Increases