The Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine (PAPDI) has announced that adults are still at risk of contracting measles due to declining immunity and incomplete vaccination records. This statement was made during a press conference held in Jakarta, where the head of the adult vaccination team, Dr. Sukamto Kusno, confirmed that approximately 8% of measles cases in Indonesia occur among adults.
Dr. Kusno noted that the prevailing belief that measles only affects children is incorrect, as cases also appear among adults. He explained that one of the main reasons for this is the phenomenon of "declining immunity," where antibody levels decrease after about 15 to 20 years post-vaccination.
Details of the Event
Measles is considered a contagious disease that can cause serious complications, especially in adults with weakened immunity or chronic illnesses. Dr. Kusno pointed out that many adults lack vaccination records or have received only a single dose of the vaccine, making them vulnerable to the virus.
He also mentioned that other factors contribute to the increased risk of infection, such as failure of the initial vaccination, where the body does not develop a sufficient immune response after vaccination, along with reduced natural exposure to the virus, leading to a lack of natural immunity boosting.
Background & Context
Historically, measles has been regarded as a common illness among children, but in recent years, there has been an increase in cases among adults. According to the World Health Organization, measles remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, causing approximately 59 million deaths worldwide between 2000 and 2024.
Countries are striving to enhance vaccination programs, as measles is a disease that can be easily prevented through vaccines. However, declining vaccination rates in some areas, due to misinformation or lack of awareness, may lead to outbreaks of the disease.
Impact & Consequences
The rise in measles cases among adults is an indicator of the urgent need to strengthen vaccination programs. Contracting measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, requiring intensive medical care.
The Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine emphasizes the importance of vaccination as an effective means of building immunity and reducing the spread of the virus. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also contributes to achieving "herd immunity," which safeguards the most vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant women.
Regional Significance
Measles is a disease that can affect all countries, including Arab nations. With the increase in travel and mobility between countries, the risk of spreading infectious diseases like measles rises. Therefore, enhancing vaccination programs in Arab countries is essential to protect communities.
In the current circumstances, Arab nations must adopt effective strategies to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination, especially among adults, to ensure that infectious diseases do not spread.