Child rights panel seeks report on measles deaths in Keralam’s Malappuram

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The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has registered a suo motu case following the deaths of two children from measles in Malappuram district.

A 10-month-old from Valavannur near Kottakkal and an 18-month-old from Ponmala near Malappuram died after contracting measles.

The Commission has sought detailed reports from the Women and Child Development department and the District Medical Officer. The reports have to be submitted in 15 days.

The Commission will examine whether the children had received measles vaccines in time and whether there were any lapses in vaccination. It has also asked the authorities to identify areas or groups where there is reluctance to vaccination and find out the reasons.

According to Health department figures, around one-third of children in Malappuram have not received both doses of the measles vaccine in the past three years. In 2025-26, only 63% of children had received both doses.

More than 40% of children in Vengara, Tanur, Malappuram and Areekode block panchayats have not completed their vaccination.

The district reported 63 confirmed measles cases this year, while around 400 people with symptoms are under observation.

Fever, cold, red eyes, and skin rashes are common symptoms of measles. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia and encephalitis.

The Health department has issued an alert and intensified awareness and vaccination drives at Valavannur, Kuttippuram, Vengara, and Pookkottur.

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