Indonesia: Countrywide measles outbreak ongoing since September 2017 /update 1

Event

On Tuesday, January 16, health officials announced that at least 568 cases of measles have been reported since September 2017. In addition, 58 children reportedly died due to the disease in Papua. According to local sources, 36 of the deaths occurred in the Pulau Tiga district, while 22 deaths were reported in the town of Agats.

Context

Health officials in the US, Australia, Canada, and Taiwan also reported that several cases of measles had been detected among travelers returning from Indonesia. According to a statement released by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on January 8, several of the infected individuals reportedly contracted the disease on the island of Bali.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that typically affects mostly children. It is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of infected persons. The disease remains one of the leading causes of death among young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Symptoms of measles are usually a high fever, which begins approximately ten to 12 days after exposure to the virus and lasts four to seven days. A runny nose, a cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks can develop in the initial stage. After several days, a rash erupts, usually on the face and upper neck. Over the course of about three days, the rash spreads, eventually reaching the hands and feet. The rash lasts for five to six days and then fades. On average, the rash occurs 14 days after exposure to the virus (within a range of seven to 18 days).

Advice

Individuals in or planning travel to Indonesia are advised to ensure their measles vaccinations are up to date and, if experiencing any of the above symptoms, are encouraged to seek medical attention.