Measles Outbreak in Kerala's Malappuram Results in Two Deaths

In a concerning development, two children have succumbed to measles within a single week in Malappuram, Kerala. A one-and-a-half-year-old boy died on Wednesday, following the death of a 10-month-old boy from Valavannur on September 15.

The district has confirmed a total of 103 measles cases, with the majority originating from Valavannur, Kuttippuram, Vengara, and Pookkottur. In response to the outbreak, the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has requested reports from the district medical officer and the district child protection officer. Authorities have been directed to identify children who may have missed the measles vaccination programme.

The alarming rise in cases coincides with inadequate coverage of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccination across the district. Data from the health department indicate that approximately one-third of children have not received both doses of the vaccine over the past three years. This vaccine is administered in two doses to protect against both measles and rubella.

Despite targets set by the health department for a 95% vaccination rate, the district has fallen short. Statistics show that 91% of eligible children received the first dose in the 2021-22 period, but only 79% completed the second dose. Subsequent years have seen further declines, with only 63% coverage for the second dose recorded in both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 periods. Particularly troubling is Vengara, where only 52% of eligible children have completed the vaccination course.

Health officials have stated that insufficient vaccination leaves children at heightened risk for severe measles infections. As a result, awareness campaigns targeting parents and local communities have been intensified to highlight the importance of vaccination and the dangers posed by measles.

An official from the health department commented, “The health department has started awareness programmes among parents and communities about the dangers of the disease and how vaccination helps to prevent it.”

Vaccination is vital in protecting children, with the first dose generally administered between nine and twelve months of age and the second dose given at 16 to 24 months. Continuous efforts in education and outreach will be key to overcoming the current challenges in vaccination coverage.