Tomato Flu

In News

• Increased surveillance after cases of Tomato Flu has been reported from the states of Kerala.

What is Tomato Flu?

• About:
  • Tomato fever is a rare contagious disease of viral nature in humans whose origins are not yet known.
  • However, medical experts have opined that it might be an aftereffect of dengue or chikungunya.
  • It gets its name from the tomato-shaped red rashes that it causes on the body of infected individuals.
  • The flu is said to affect children below five years of age.
• Symptoms:
  • Major symptoms include:
    • Rashes
    • Diarrhoea
    • Dehydration
  • In certain cases, discolouration of hands and knees has also been observed.
• Treatment:
  • This flu is a self-limiting one and so far, there is no specific drug for its cure.
  • Symptoms vanish over time on their own with medicinal support.
  • Utensils, clothes and other items used by the infected persons must be sanitised to prevent the flu from spreading.
  • Fluid intake should be increased to counter dehydration.
• Preventive Measures by the states:
  • Proper screening by the health authorities.
  • Increased surveillance

Source: IE