Mumps outbreak causes school closures in Keralam as experts urge MMR vaccine inclusion
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Health policy & public health· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Indian Academy of Paediatrics urged the inclusion of the MMR vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme following a mumps outbreak in Keralam that led to school closures.
Background
The outbreak in Keralam saw 74,907 cases in 2024 and 26,462 in 2025. The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation rejected the MMR vaccine inclusion due to cost concerns.
Facts for Prelims
- FactMumps cases in Keralam: 74,907 in 2024 and 26,462 in 2025
- PlaceSchool closures occurred in Alappuzha, Thrissur, and Kottayam districts of Keralam
- BodyIndian Academy of Paediatrics urged MMR vaccine inclusion
- BodyNational Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation rejected the proposal citing costs
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges in expanding the Universal Immunisation Programme to include more vaccines while balancing fiscal constraints and public health requirements.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Fiscal trade-offs: Balancing high procurement costs of MMR vaccines against the economic burden of mumps-related school closures
Keywords: Universal Immunisation Programme · Public Health Policy · Fiscal Constraints · Preventive Healthcare · Vaccine Inclusion
More Social Justice notes
- Court expresses displeasure over lack of response on menstrual hygiene as fundamental right · 18 October 2026
- Wayanad township project to complete 149 houses for landslide survivors by October 31 · 18 October 2026
- Karnataka mandates doctors record night-time presence via Kartavya app from November 1, 2026 · 18 October 2026
- CM Mohan Charan Majhi to construct 2,91,666 additional houses under Antyodaya Gruha Yojana · 18 October 2026
- KIIFB allocated only 0.18% of outlay to SC/ST projects, Sudha Pillai committee finds · 18 October 2026
- Andhra Pradesh to establish 22 dialysis centres to slash costs to ₹999 per session · 17 October 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.