38 Suspected Measles Cases Reported in Early 2026, The East Java DPRD Warns of Potential Outbreaks in Several Regions
The number of suspected measles cases in East Java has increased in early 2026. The Regional House of Representatives of the Province of East Java (The East Java DPRD) has called for acceleration immunization, risk mapping, and strengthened surveillance to prevent outbreaks.
Suspected Measles Cases Increase in Several Regions
SURABAYA - The rise in suspected measles cases in several regions in East Java has drawn attention from the DPRD. Member of Commission E of the East Java DPRD, Puguh Wiji Pamungkas, urged the East Java Provincial Government to immediately take strategic measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
The PKS politician revealed that reports from several regional health offices indicate an upward trend in suspected measles cases compared to the previous year. In Tulungagung Regency, one patient has even been confirmed positive for measles.
According to him, this condition serves as a serious signal that the potential for measles transmission in East Java remains high and requires prompt intervention.
"If we observe the situation, not only in Tulungagung, but in several regions there have also been occurrences of outbreaks. This must be a serious concern for the East Java Provincial Government, particularly the Health Agency, to prevent further spread across regions,” Puguh stated when contacted on Thursday (March 12, 2026).
DPRD Calls for Risk Mapping and Acceleration of Immunization
Puguh emphasized that the initial step that must be taken is to strengthen coordination between the East Java Provincial Health Agency and district/city health agencies. In addition, the government needs to conduct regional risk mapping based on the level of measles transmission.
Such mapping can be carried out by categorizing regions into red, yellow, and green zones based on their level of vulnerability. One of the key indicators is the immunization coverage rate in each area.
"This mapping is essential to identify areas with high, medium, and low transmission risks,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of accelerating the measles-rubella immunization program through proactive outreach approaches.
“Immunization must be intensified through schools, community health posts (posyandu), and healthcare facilities. Existing health infrastructure must be utilized optimally to increase immunization coverage,” he explained.
Strengthening Surveillance and Public Awareness
On the other hand, Puguh also called for enhanced monitoring and early detection through strengthened health surveillance systems across all healthcare facilities. Hospitals, community health centers (puskesmas), and clinics are urged to actively monitor early symptoms of measles, such as fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.
According to him, the East Java Provincial Health Agency needs to issue a circular letter to ensure that all healthcare facilities conduct systematic monitoring.
"With active surveillance, the Provincial Health Agency will have a strong database, enabling rapid response when cases are identified,” he stated.
He also emphasized the importance of public education, particularly for parents, to avoid delaying immunization for children. These efforts can involve village health cadres, auxiliary health centers, and community organizations."
Anticipating Case Surge During Eid Homecoming
Puguh warned that ahead of the Eid homecoming period, increased public mobility may accelerate the spread of infectious diseases, including measles.
"This homecoming momentum must be a shared concern, as public mobility and interaction will be very high,” he said.
Therefore, he hopes that the East Java Provincial Health Agency will immediately coordinate response measures with all district and city governments to control the potential spread of measles.
Meanwhile, Head of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) at the Tulungagung Health Agency, Aris Setiawan, reported that from January to February 2026, a total of 38 suspected measles cases were recorded in the region.
This figure shows a significant increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
“In early 2025, there were 12 suspected measles cases. In early 2026, this number increased to 38 cases,” Aris stated on Wednesday (March 11, 2026).
