Measles Outbreak In Kerala, 160 Cases Reported So Far In Malappuram

Measles Outbreak In Kerala: “There is a chance of it spreading in coming days. So, we're pushing for maximum vaccination coverage in affected areas,” said Kerala Prez of Indian Academy of Pediatrics.

The hotspot in Kerala, Malappuram, has reported 160 cases of measles (Image for representation)

Chennai: Kerala, the state which has been the hotspot for several infectious outbreaks on several occasions in the past, has now come under the scanner for a measles outbreak. The hotspot in Kerala, Malappuram, has reported 160 cases of measles and the number of cases is expected to rise in the coming days. 

On Wednesday, Dr Jose Ouseph, State President of Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Kerala said, “As of now, all states are facing measles outbreak. In Kerala, Malappuram is the most affected. Around 160 cases of measles were reported in the district. So far there hasn't been any mortality due to measles in the district.”

“There is a chance of it spreading in the coming days. So, we're pushing for maximum vaccination coverage in the affected areas,” he said.

As of now, all states are facing measles outbreak. In Kerala, Malappuram the most affected. 160 cases of measles reported in the dist. So far there hasn't been any mortality due to measles in the dist: Dr Jose Ouseph, State President of Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Kerala(29.11) pic.twitter.com/mdaTpmY0hc

— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2022

The increase in cases has also thrown light on the poor immunization in the state. 

Earlier, Malappuram District Medical Officer (DMO) Renuka told The Hindustan Times, more than 50 people are from Kalpakanchery village. So, she said that their priority is to contain the highly-contagious disease and provide symptomatic treatment to the infected along with Vit A. 

She also said that these outbreaks lay emphasis on the need to carry out vigorous basic immunization drives.

We should also curb the reservation among some parents on immunization, she said.

She also said that there's opposition to vaccination among Muslims. They fall prey to misinformation campaigns including that the vaccines affect fertility among children and they carry pork-based gelatine which is considered haram in Islam.