Measles in Kozhikode: 161 confirmed cases, one death; health dept steps up vaccination

Kozhikode district has recorded one death and 161 confirmed measles cases this year, with 116 suspected cases also reported so far, the Health department said at a review meeting on Wednesday.

Officials said the infection was spreading mainly among people who had not been vaccinated. They said preventive measures would be strengthened and vaccination coverage widened in the coming days with the help of other government departments.

District Medical Officer L.T. Saritha Kumari presented a report at the meeting, which was chaired by Assistant Collector Malavika G. Nair.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through coughing, sneezing and close contact. Droplets carrying the virus can remain suspended in the air of a closed room for up to two hours, which is why the infection moves quickly through groups of unvaccinated people.

Symptoms usually appear 10 to 14 days after exposure and begin with high fever, cough, a runny nose and red, watery eyes. Small white spots may appear inside the mouth, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads downward over the body. Anyone with these signs should be taken to the nearest health centre, and unwell children should be kept away from crowds and from other children.

Most people recover with rest, fluids and nutrition, but measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, diarrhoea and dehydration, ear infections and, in rare cases, inflammation of the brain. Children below five years, malnourished children, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity face a higher risk. There is no specific antiviral medicine for measles; treatment is supportive, and vitamin A is given to children to reduce the severity of the illness.

Vaccination is the most effective protection. Two doses of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine, given between nine and 12 months and between 16 and 24 months of age, are enough to protect a child. Both doses are available free of cost at all government health centres. If a child misses routine vaccination, the injections can still be given up to the age of five. Health workers advise parents to check their child's vaccination card and visit the nearest health centre if a dose has been missed.

Public health experts note that a high level of community coverage, roughly 95 per cent with two doses, is needed to stop the virus from circulating, since it can spread even before the characteristic rash appears. Clusters of unvaccinated children, whether in a neighbourhood, a school or a household, allow outbreaks to continue. India has committed to eliminating measles and rubella, and routine immunisation is central to that effort.

The department said it would strengthen preventive measures and expand vaccination coverage, including outreach to families whose children have missed their doses. Officials asked the public to cooperate with health workers visiting houses and to seek treatment without delay if symptoms appear.