Thiruvananthapuram: A measles outbreak in northern Kerala has raised concern after two children died in Malappuram and health authorities intensified efforts to identify children who the vaccination programme may have missed. Measles cases have also been reported in neighbouring Kozhikode, where health officials have issued warnings about the highly contagious disease.
Malappuram has emerged as the main centre of concern. By September 27, the district had recorded 103 confirmed measles cases. Cases were reported mainly from Valavannur, Kuttippuram, Vengara and Pookkottur. Earlier in September, health officials had reported more than 400 suspected cases in the district.
Two children died in Malappuram in September. One was a boy aged 10 months from Valavannur who died on September 15. Another boy aged 18 months died on September 23.
The deaths have increased concern about vaccination coverage in parts of the district. The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has sought reports from authorities and directed officials to identify children who may have been missed by the measles and rubella vaccination programme.
Health officials have also stepped up awareness campaigns and vaccination activities in affected areas. The measures are aimed at finding children who have not received the required doses and ensuring that eligible children are vaccinated.
Low vaccination coverage is a major concern in the affected areas. Reports based on health department data indicate that a significant number of children in parts of Malappuram have not completed the recommended two dose vaccination schedule.
In 2025 to 2026, second dose coverage was reported at 63 percent, below the health department's target of 95 percent. More than 40 percent of children in the Vengara, Tanur, Malappuram and Areekode block panchayat areas had not received both doses.
The figures highlight the difficulty of maintaining high vaccination coverage even when vaccines are routinely available through the public health system. Health officials have been working to locate children who were missed and encourage families to complete their vaccinations.
Kozhikode has also reported measles cases. The district health authorities issued a warning in late September and urged families to ensure that children were vaccinated and to seek medical attention if symptoms appeared.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms commonly include high fever, cough, a runny nose, red eyes and a widespread skin rash.
Although many people recover from measles, the disease can cause serious complications, particularly in young children. These can include pneumonia, severe diarrhoea and inflammation of the brain. In severe cases, measles can be fatal.
India's routine immunisation programme recommends the first measles and rubella vaccine dose for children between nine and 12 months of age. The second dose is recommended between 16 and 24 months.
Kerala had already recorded measles cases earlier in 2026, including outbreaks investigated by health authorities in other districts. The current outbreak in Malappuram and measles activity in Kozhikode are therefore part of wider measles surveillance in the state this year.
Health authorities are urging families to check whether children have received both recommended doses and to seek medical care when symptoms appear. Early detection is particularly important during an outbreak because measles can spread rapidly among children who have not developed adequate immunity.
Authorities in the affected districts are continuing surveillance, vaccination and public awareness measures as they work to identify additional cases and prevent further transmission.