RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Health Ministry has urged parents to keep children showing measles symptoms away from school to prevent rapid transmission in the community.

“Measles is highly contagious. A single infected child can transmit the virus to 12 to 18 people around them,” said Acting Director General of Disease Control Andi Saguni during a press conference in Jakarta on Saturday, April 11, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that measles spreads through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, which can be inhaled by others. Transmission can also occur when someone touches contaminated objects and then touches their face.

“If there are symptoms of fever, cough, or a runny nose, they should not go to school. Make sure they are fully recovered before returning,” Andi said.

He noted that the initial symptoms of measles include a dry cough, runny nose, and red eyes, which appear before the rash develops. He urged teachers to monitor students who test positive for measles and ensure they receive immediate medical care.

“If a student shows symptoms suggestive of measles, they should be taken to a healthcare facility right away for diagnosis and treatment,” he said.

Andi emphasized that measles patients should undergo home care to prevent further spread. “They should return to school only after they have recovered,” he added.

He also reminded that adults can contract measles, although most cases occur in children. Ministry data show that about 8 percent of total cases are found among individuals aged 18 and older. “Symptoms in adults are generally similar to those in children, such as fever, rash, cough, and runny nose. However, in some cases, they can be more severe,” he said.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin previously stressed that measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. He noted that its transmission rate is far higher than that of other infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

“With COVID-19, one person can infect two or three people. Meanwhile, one person with measles can infect up to 18 people,” Budi said.

He emphasized that measles can be prevented through vaccination. “Fortunately, there is now a vaccine available, and it is effective. So, if you’re vaccinated, you shouldn’t get measles again,” he said. ***