Doctors Urge Parents To Beware Of Campak In Children, Can Cause Serious Complications

Medical staff prepared the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine in the implementation of the School Children Immunization Month (BIAS) at SDN Beran 5, Ngawi, East Java, Thursday (4/9/2025). BETWEEN PHOTOs/Ari Bowo Sucipto/nz/am.

JAKARTA - Pediatrician Dr. dr. Dominicus Husada, DTM&H, MCTM (TP), Sp.A(K) asked the public to be aware of symptoms ofcarpage in children because it can cause serious complications.

"The initial symptoms of Measles are often taken lightly because they are similar to the flu," Dominicus said in his official statement in Jakarta, Antara, Wednesday, October 1.

Campak is usually characterized by fever, cough, and runny nose, then develops into rashes throughout the body. If not treated properly, sufferers are at risk of pneumonia, severe diarrhea, and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) which can cause permanent defects and even death.

The Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) has issued a recommendation for Measles-Relela immunization (MR) or MMR according to the set schedule. The first dose is given at the age of 9 months with the MR vaccine, followed by a second dose at the age of 15'18 months, and a booster at the age of 5'7 years.

If children have not received the MR vaccine until the age of 12 months, the MMR vaccine can be given as the first dose. In Indonesia, the second dose is given at an interval of 6 months, then once again at the age of 5'7 years.

"By following the complete immunization schedule, children have a greater chance of being protected fromterus as well as the risk of complications of gondongan and rubella," he said.

Dominicus also emphasized the importance of preventing bacterial transmission by avoiding direct contact with sufferers. This disease is highly contagious even through breathing. Families are advised to maintain personal and environmental hygiene, wash their hands regularly, ensure good room ventilation, and increase the child's immune system through balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and physical activity.

Country Medical Lead MSD Indonesia dr. Amrilmaen Badawi added that the important step taken by parents is to re-examine children's immunization books.

"Make sure the MMR dose is complete, and together we protect our children so that they grow into a healthy and strong generation," he said.

Based on data from the Ministry of Health until August 2025, there were 46 Extraordinary Events (KLB) of Measles in Indonesia. East Java is one of the areas with high cases, especially Sumenep Regency which reported 2,139 suspected cases of wavy with 205 confirmed cases of laboratory and 20 children died.

The Ministry of Health said the immunization coverage was still far from the target of 95 percent needed to form herd immunity.