Measles cases have been reported in Kozhikode, including among schoolchildren in the Thottilpalam area. Parents should check their child’s vaccination record and contact a health worker if any dose has been missed.
Measles spreads very easily, but vaccination can prevent most cases and serious complications.
What is happening in Kozhikode?
Reports published on 25 October 2026 said five primary-school children in Kavilumpara panchayat, near Thottilpalam, had tested positive for measles. Health workers were conducting local prevention and awareness activities.
An earlier district review reported 161 confirmed cases, 116 suspected cases and one death in Kozhikode during 2026. These are figures from different reporting dates, not a single updated tally.
Parents in affected areas should follow instructions from their local health centre and avoid relying on social media forwards for outbreak updates.
Sources: Asianet Newsable report | Kerala measles surveillance information
What are the symptoms of measles?
Watch for these common symptoms:
- High fever
- Cough and runny nose
- Red or watery eyes
- Red spots or a rash that often begins on the face and spreads to the body
- Small spots inside the mouth in some cases
Symptoms commonly appear around 10–14 days after infection, though timing can vary.
If you suspect measles, call a healthcare provider before visiting the facility so staff can take steps to prevent exposure to other patients. Keep the child away from school, anganwadi and crowded places until advised by a health professional.
Seek urgent medical care if the child has difficulty breathing, is unusually sleepy or difficult to wake, has seizures, cannot drink, or shows signs of severe dehydration.
Measles can cause complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and inflammation of the brain. There is no specific antiviral treatment for routine measles infection; medical care focuses on managing symptoms and complications.
Source: WHO — Measles
MR vaccine schedule in India
The MR vaccine protects against measles and rubella. Under India’s routine immunisation schedule, children are generally offered two doses:
| Dose | Recommended age |
|---|---|
| MR dose 1 | 9 completed months to 12 months |
| MR dose 2 | 16–24 months |
Check the child’s vaccination card and ask the health worker to confirm whether both doses have been recorded. If a dose is missing, contact a government health facility for advice on the appropriate catch-up schedule.
Source: WHO India — Measles and Rubella
What if your child missed a dose?
Do not assume it is too late to vaccinate. Contact your nearest government health centre and take the child’s immunisation card, if available.
A health worker can check the child’s age, previous doses and eligibility, then advise when the next dose should be given. Do not restart the vaccination schedule or decide the timing yourself.
During an outbreak, health authorities may recommend additional vaccination for certain age groups or areas. An extra dose given as part of a campaign may not replace the routine doses, so follow the advice of the immunisation team.
If your child has had contact with someone suspected of having measles, contact a healthcare provider promptly rather than waiting for symptoms.
Source: WHO India — MR vaccination FAQs
Where can parents get the MR vaccine in Kerala?
MR vaccination is available free of charge through government immunisation services. Parents in Kozhikode can start with:
- Their nearest government Family Health Centre (FHC) or Primary Health Centre (PHC).
- A government community health centre or hospital providing immunisation.
- The local ASHA worker, Junior Public Health Nurse or Junior Health Inspector, who can help identify the next vaccination session.
- The local health facility serving Kavilumpara or Thottilpalam if they live in the affected area.
Before travelling, call the facility to confirm the vaccination session and vaccine availability. If there is an active local campaign, ask whether children who missed a school or outreach session can attend another site.
For official district information, visit the Kozhikode district website or the Kerala Health Department.
Can measles be prevented?
Yes. Completing the recommended vaccination schedule is the main way to protect children. Parents should keep vaccination records safely, make sure eligible children receive their doses and follow public-health advice during an outbreak.
If a child develops symptoms, seek medical advice and avoid sending them to school or anganwadi while measles is suspected.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is the MR vaccine free in Kerala?
Yes. It is available free through government immunisation services under the routine programme. Confirm the session with your local health facility.
2. My child missed the first or second MR dose. What should I do?
Take the immunisation card to a government health centre. A health worker can review the child’s age and previous doses and advise on catch-up vaccination.
3. Should a vaccinated child still be checked during an outbreak?
Yes, check that the recommended doses are documented. If the child has had a known exposure or develops symptoms, contact a healthcare provider for advice.
4. Is there a specific medicine that cures measles?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for routine measles. Medical care helps manage symptoms and complications. Do not give high-dose vitamin A or other medicines without professional advice.
5. Should I take my child directly to a hospital if I suspect measles?
Call the healthcare facility first, if possible, and explain the symptoms. This helps staff arrange assessment while reducing the risk of exposing others.
A reminder for parents: Check the vaccination card today. If a dose is missing or you are unsure, contact your nearest government health centre and ask for an MR vaccination review.
This article is for public awareness and does not replace medical advice. Follow current instructions from Kerala’s health authorities, particularly if your area has reported cases.