Another virus, the tomato flu, has been found in numerous districts of Kerala amid recent cases of food poisoning. According to reports in the media, the rare viral disease has affected more than 80 children under the age of five in the state thus far. According to reports, the number is expected to become even higher.
A medical team is testing those entering Coimbatore for fever, rashes, and other diseases at Walayar on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border to prevent the spread of tomato flu in one of the districts of neighbouring Kerala, according to news agency PTI. The crew is led by two medical officers who are checking passengers, notably children. A 24-member team has also been constituted to check the children, aged below five in Anganwadi.
What is tomato flu?
Tomato flu is an unknown fever that has primarily affected children under the age of five in Kerala. The flu creates red rashes and blisters on the body of the affected child, hence the name ‘tomato flu’ or ‘tomato fever.’ There is some dispute about whether the disease is a viral fever or a chikungunya or dengue fever aftereffect. While the sickness is now only seen in a few areas of Kerala, health officials have warned that if preventative steps are not implemented, the virus could spread even further.
What are the symptoms?
Rashes, red blisters, skin irritation, and dehydration are the most common signs of the condition. Other symptoms include a high fever, joint swellings, weariness, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, discolouration of the hands, knees, and buttocks, coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Handing the flu?
If the child is exhibiting flu symptoms, a doctor’s consultation is required. The diseased child must avoid scratching the blisters and keep himself clean and sanitary. It is recommended that you get enough rest and drink enough water.
