Hi,
Once the fevers go away maybe find something you can get him that would be like hair, the fabric store sells fringe, maybe sew that into a pillow case or blanket. It is short enough not to be a danger, but soft enough to feel like hair, dine a stuffed animal that has longer fur, I don't know how you feel about your son having a doll, but they have hair. Have to start redirecting the behavior, getting them into their own bed so you can sleep. If you cannot sew I can or find someone that can. Pillowcase is up high like a persons head so their hand would be in that position with the fringe and twirl it. Then have something that you can take with you. this is his way to self soothe I am assuming, so might be something you need to take a long, but also socially accecptable. The trance like state is him finally being able to self sooth, it is a mindless activity and probably helps him re-organize himself. You don't want this behavior to lead into school or like you said the mall. Might take some time to redirect, but once you do it will be different.