Measles Outbreak: Kerala Reports Two Child Deaths

The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has initiated a suo motu case following the deaths of two children from measles in Malappuram district. An 18-month-old and a 10-month-old child were reported deceased after contracting the highly contagious disease.

The Commission has formally requested detailed reports from the Women and Child Development department and the District Medical Officer. These reports are mandated to be submitted within a 15-day period.

Key aspects under examination include whether the deceased children had received their measles vaccines on schedule and if any systemic lapses occurred during the vaccination process. Authorities are also tasked with identifying specific areas or communities exhibiting reluctance towards vaccination and understanding the underlying reasons.

Health department figures reveal a worrying trend, indicating that about one-third of children in Malappuram have not completed their measles vaccination in the last three years. In the 2025-26 period, only 63% of children received both doses of the vaccine.

Specifically, over 40% of children in the Vengara, Tanur, Malappuram, and Areekode block panchayats have not finished their full vaccination course. This year, the district has recorded 63 confirmed measles cases, with approximately 400 individuals presenting with symptoms currently under observation.

The Health department has issued an alert and intensified its awareness campaigns and vaccination drives in affected areas, including Valavannur, Kuttippuram, Vengara, and Pookkottur, to curb further spread.