Malappuram (Kerala): A one-and-a-half-year-old child died of measles in the district on Wednesday. Earlier, on the 15th of this month, a 10-month-old boy from Valavannoor also died after contracting the disease. This takes the number of measles-related deaths in the district to two within a week.

As of Wednesday, 103 people have been confirmed to have the disease in the district, while 476 people are under observation in connection with it. Health department officials say the disease can be prevented by taking proper precautions and ensuring timely vaccination. According to World Health Organization data, around 25 lakh children in India are affected by the disease every year.

Symptoms

Measles is a disease caused by the measles virus. Symptoms usually appear 10 to 14 days after the virus enters the body. Red, raised rashes may appear on the body. There may also be fever, cough and cold, while some people may experience diarrhoea, vomiting and severe abdominal pain.

How the disease spreads

The virus spreads through the air. It is mainly transmitted through the cough and sneeze of an infected person. Whenever a person with the disease sneezes, coughs or talks, tiny droplets containing the virus are released into the air.
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Who is affected

Measles can affect adolescents and adults as well. However, the disease can become more severe in children between six months and three years of age.

Treatment and prevention

The disease can be prevented by taking the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine at the recommended times. The vaccine is administered to children below five years of age. The first dose should be given after the child completes nine months, followed by the second dose after 16 months. Children who have missed either dose for any reason can receive the vaccine until the age of five. The vaccine is available free of cost at all government health centres.
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Ensure timely vaccination

Many people are reluctant to get vaccinated. This is a serious concern. The disease can be prevented through timely vaccination. Those who develop symptoms should not seek self-treatment. Social distancing should be maintained and hands should be washed with soap. People with fever must wear masks. Children should not be sent to school under any circumstances until they have completely recovered from the disease.

Low vaccination coverage remains a challenge

As measles spreads again in Malappuram, the number of children who have not completed their vaccination is raising concern, District Medical Officer Dr V. Vinod said. Of the 3.9 lakh children born in the district between 2021 and September 18, 2026, as many as 54,941 have not received even the first dose of the MR vaccine. Only 2.7 lakh children have completed the vaccination schedule by receiving both doses. The concern has increased further with three children who were undergoing treatment for measles symptoms dying within 15 days.

While 86 per cent of children have received the first dose, only 70 per cent have completed the vaccination by receiving the second dose. As many as 1,17,732 children who received the first dose have not received the second. Taking the average coverage of MR1 and MR2 doses, the district's overall vaccination completion rate stands at 78 per cent.

The health department views low vaccination coverage as a threat. With the increase in disease transmission, vaccination campaigns have been intensified. Steps are under way to identify children who have not completed their vaccinations and ensure that they receive the required doses.

Measles was widely reported in the district in 2023. At the time, 1,304 people were affected by the disease and three died. Although the spread was brought under control through intensive preventive measures, the number of children who have not completed their vaccinations continues to remain a challenge.