Fever cases see spurt in Kozhikode, alert issued against measles

Fever cases are seeing a spurt in Kozhikode in recent weeks. On average, between 600 and 900 people are seeking outpatient treatment in government hospitals and health centres almost every day. This is apart from the hundreds of influenza cases reported from various places in the district this month.According to doctors, high body temperature, headache and sneezing are the most common symptoms of fever, while those with influenza have fatigue, muscle pain, and chest congestion. While it could take at least three days for the fever to subside normally, severe cases may take up to a week to recover. Dengue fever, leptospirosis, and malaria are being reported from various places.Meanwhile, the district medical officer has issued an alert against measles cases as well. Health department sources say that it is being reported in neighbouring districts too. According to them, measles, a viral disease primarily affecting children, is transmitted through the air and through contact with an infected person. It can lead to complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, and brain infection, and may even result in death.The sources say that the fatalities are reported among those who have not been vaccinated. Its symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, red spots on the body, and redness in the mouth. They appear within 10–14 days after getting infected.Doctors say that those with symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Infected children should not be sent to schools or anganwadis. Since measles is a viral disease, there is no specific treatment for it, and medical care focuses on managing the symptoms, they say.Health department officials, however, point out that the disease can be completely prevented through vaccination. The first dose should be administered between 9 and 12 months of age, and the second dose between 16 and 24 months. Administering two doses of the Measles-Rubella vaccine will help protect children’s health and save their lives. Those who may have missed any dose can receive the vaccine up to the age of five. It is available for free at all government health centres, they add. Published - September 29, 2026 07:32 pm IST