26-Year-Old Doctor in Cianjur Died Allegedly of Measles, Kemenkes Hands Down

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health (MoH) and related parties will conduct an Epidemiological Investigation (PE) on Friday, responding to the death of a male doctor with the initials AMW (26 years old) in Cipanas, Cianjur Regency, West Java, due to suspected measles.

"The deceased was reported to have clinical symptoms of fever, red rash, and severe shortness of breath. Based on the results of the interim investigation, the patient suffered from measles with pneumonia complications that worsened his health condition," said Head of the Communication and Public Information Bureau Aji Kemenkes Muhawarman, quoted by Antara, Friday, March 27.

The Ministry of Health expressed its deep condolences for the death of the medical staff and said the case reminded that measles can not only attack children. Adults who have never been vaccinated or have never been infected with measles still have a high risk of serious complications and fatal outcomes.

Aji explained that the Cimacan Hospital had carried out medical treatment according to standards on March 26, 2026. However, the patient was later declared dead after the hospital tried to provide maximum treatment.

"As a quick response step, the Cianjur Health Office, the West Java Provincial Health Office together with the Ministry of Health will conduct an Epidemiological Investigation (PE) in the field on March 27, 2026," he said.

The health team, said Aji, will conduct contact tracing, search for sources of transmission, conduct risk assessments and provide vitamin A to prevent wider transmission in the local area.

The Ministry of Health appeals to the public to increase vigilance against the transmission of measles. He encourages to immediately complete the immunization status because vaccination is the most effective protection to prevent severe symptoms and death from measles.

"The public is also urged to immediately check themselves to health facilities if they experience symptoms of measles such as high fever and red rash," he said.

For prevention, the public is also urged to continue to implement Healthy and Clean Living Behaviors (PHBS) such as diligently washing hands with soap and water, consuming nutritious food and using masks if they are sick with measles.