Measles outbreak kills 17 in Indonesia’s east java

At least 17 people, mostly children, have died following a measles outbreak in East Java, Indonesia, health officials confirmed Wednesday.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said he will travel to Sumenep, the hardest-hit district, to oversee emergency measures. He linked the outbreak to disruptions in vaccination programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, which left many children unprotected.

“Measles can actually be prevented through immunization, so we will revamp our immunization strategy to make it more effective,” Sadikin told reporters.

Authorities have launched a mass vaccination drive, aiming to reach 95% of children in Sumenep by mid-September. More than 9,800 doses of measles vaccine have already been distributed, alongside vitamin A supplements to boost immunity.

Local officials say the campaign will continue until September 14, as health experts warn measles can be fatal if left untreated.