Kozhikode sees sharp rise in fever cases as measles alert issued

Kozhikode district is witnessing a marked increase in fever cases, with government hospitals and health centres recording between 600 and 900 outpatient visits daily on average. Alongside this, hundreds of influenza cases have been reported from various parts of the district this month.

Doctors note that high body temperature, headache and sneezing are the most common symptoms among fever patients. Those with influenza typically experience fatigue, muscle pain and chest congestion. While fever usually subsides within three days, severe cases may take up to a week to recover. Dengue, leptospirosis and malaria are also being reported from different areas.

Separately, the district medical officer has issued an alert against measles, which health department sources say is also appearing in neighbouring districts. Measles is a viral disease that mainly affects children and spreads through the air and contact with an infected person. It can lead to complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and brain infection, and may even be fatal. Fatalities are reported among those who have not been vaccinated.

Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, red spots on the body and redness in the mouth. They typically appear 10 to 14 days after infection. Doctors advise that anyone with symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, and infected children should not be sent to schools or anganwadis. As measles is viral, there is no specific treatment; care focuses on managing symptoms.

Health officials emphasise that the disease can be fully prevented through vaccination. The first dose of the Measles-Rubella vaccine should be given between 9 and 12 months of age, and the second between 16 and 24 months. Two doses protect children's health and save lives. Those who have missed a dose can receive the vaccine up to the age of five, and it is available free at all government health centres.