Keralam: Health authorities have reported 824 confirmed and 1,681 probable measles cases across the State as of November 6, raising concerns over changing infection patterns and possible immunity gaps among vaccinated individuals. Five related deaths have been reported, although only one has been officially confirmed.
The outbreak has been particularly concerning in Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkad, with infections now affecting infants below nine months, older adults and children who have received vaccination.
According to The Hindu, former Government Medical College, Thrissur professor K.K. Purushothaman believes declining maternal antibody levels could be leaving younger infants vulnerable. He has suggested considering an additional measles vaccine dose during adolescence or for women before marriage.
Measles vaccination became part of India’s Universal Immunisation Programme in 1985, with a dose at nine months. A second dose was introduced in 2010 and is administered at 18 months.
Research has also raised questions about the effectiveness of existing immunity levels. An August 2025 study published in JAMA Network Open by the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology examined 684 vaccinated children from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It found that 8.5% lacked protective antibody levels, while other findings indicated possible recent exposure despite vaccination.
Meanwhile, Kerala’s first-dose measles-rubella coverage stands at approximately 95%, but second-dose coverage remains lower at 85-88%, with some districts performing poorly.
Experts say incomplete immunisation continues to contribute to outbreaks. However, they have called for wider investigations to determine whether infections among fully vaccinated individuals indicate additional immunity gaps requiring attention.
