Coimbatore: At a time when Kerala is already battling the spread of the Kovid-19 virus, another flu has begun to plague the coastal state. A rare viral disease called ‘tomato flu’ has infected more than 80 children under the age of five. According to local media reports, 82 cases of ‘Tomato Flu’ or ‘Tomato Fever’ have already been reported in Kerala and this number is forecast to increase.Also read – Tamil Nadu: Two killed, 300 trapped in 300 feet deep mine for more than 60 hours
To prevent the viral infection from entering Tamil Nadu, the medical team at Valiyar, a town on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, is testing people entering Coimbatore for symptoms of tomato flu, fever, rash and other ailments. The news agency PTI reported on Tuesday, citing official sources, that two medical officers were leading a team to examine the passengers of all the vehicles, especially the children. In addition, a 24-member team has been formed to examine children under the age of five in Anganwadis, sources said. Also read – Weather Updates: No heatwave in Delhi for next 4 days, monsoon hits Andaman, heavy rains in Kerala, 2 lakh Assam affected by floods
What is Tomato Flu?
Tomato flu is a common form of viral infection in India, in which children under the age of five experience fever, usually with rashes, skin irritation and dehydration. The flu causes blisters on some parts of an infected child’s body, which are usually red in color, and are therefore called “tomato flu” or “tomato fever”. Currently, the infection is reported only in parts of Kollam district in Kerala, but health officials have warned that if preventive measures are not taken, the infection could spread to other areas. Also read – TANCET 2022 Result Date Announced by Anna University; Check out the details here
Symptoms of Tomato Flu
- High fever
- Rash
- Inflammation of the skin, and discoloration of the skin on the hands and feet
- Blisters
- Dehydration
- Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Cough, cold
- Fatigue and body aches
How to prevent the spread of tomato fungus
However, according to health officials, the virus is not fatal and can be treated, however, if a child shows any symptoms of fever, he should be taken to a doctor immediately.
- Do not let the child scratch the blisters
- Keep the infected baby hydrated
- Maintain proper hygiene.
- Avoid close contact with an infected person.
- Bathe the infected baby with warm water
- Ask the child to get proper rest to avoid the long lasting effects of the disease
