JAKARTA - Measles is often preceded by symptoms similar to the flu, so it is often not realized from the beginning. High fever, cough, cold, and red eyes are the most common signs. Over time, a reddish rash appears on the skin that is characteristic of this disease.
Although it looks like a mild disease, measles can cause serious complications if not handled properly.
Lecturer of the Specialist Family Medicine Study Program at Unika Atma Jaya, Dr. dr. Regina Satya Wiraharja, M.Sc., explained that measles is caused by an RNA virus from the Paramyxoviridae family.
Quoting ANTARA, he said that this virus is very easy to spread through droplet splashes, such as saliva or mucus, which spreads when the sufferer breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
After entering the body, the virus will multiply and spread to various organs, including the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and respiratory tract.
The incubation period of measles generally lasts about eight to 14 days. After that, symptoms begin to appear gradually.
In the initial phase which lasts about two to seven days, sufferers usually experience high fever, body feels weak, accompanied by cough, cold, and eyes that look red and sensitive to light. In some cases, there are also small white spots on the cheeks known as Koplik spots.
Furthermore, a reddish rash begins to appear, usually starting from the face or behind the ears, then spreading to the entire body within a few days. This phase is often accompanied by an increase in body temperature.
Entering the recovery period, the fever will begin to subside in three to four days. The rash also slowly changes color to brown before finally disappearing in about a week.
"If someone experiences symptoms that lead to measles, immediately go to a health facility and limit contact with others to prevent further transmission," said Regina.
Although in many cases measles can heal on its own, this disease still risks causing complications. Some of them are pneumonia, diarrhea, dehydration, ear infections, to brain inflammation.
The most vulnerable groups to experience complications include infants, individuals with weak immune systems, and those who are malnourished or vitamin A deficient. In pregnant women, measles infection can also increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight babies.
Data shows that measles cases are still found in Indonesia. Throughout 2025, more than 11 thousand cases were recorded with dozens of deaths. Meanwhile, at the beginning of 2026, hundreds of cases have also been reported.
Therefore, prevention is a very important step, especially at moments with high mobility such as holidays.
"Vaccination against measles or MMR is the most effective way to prevent this disease," explained Regina.
The measles vaccine is recommended to be given three times, namely when the child is nine months old, two years old, and five to six years old.
In addition, the implementation of a clean and healthy lifestyle also plays a major role in preventing transmission. Habits such as washing hands, applying cough and sneeze etiquette, wearing masks when sick, eating nutritious food, and exercising regularly can help maintain body resistance.
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