Outbreak of Tomato Flu in South India: Check signs and symptoms

Bengaluru: With 80 cases of an unidentified virus being reported in Children in the state of Kerala, panic seems to be ensuing in the state and the neighbouring states as well regarding this new flu type termed Tomato Flu which takes its name after the blisters it causes, which look like tomatoes.

All the cases of Tomato Flu have been reported from Kollam city, Kerala and all patients are children below five years of age. Neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are also in the watch mode.

Meanwhile, in the neighbouring state, Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhakar on Wednesday said that there is no need to panic against the backdrop of an outbreak of Tomato Flu in neighbouring Kerala. 

"Though some symptoms are similar to Covid-19, the Tomato Flu has nothing to do with Covid-19. These symptoms are usually seen in other types of viral infections also.

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"There is no need to panic as the authorities have been asked to remain alert. Moreover, the Tomato Flu is endemic to Kerala," he said.

According to a release by the Health Department, Tomato Flu is a rare viral disease, which causes red-coloured rashes, skin irritation, and dehydration. The disease gets its name from the blisters it causes, which look like tomatoes.

Tomato fever is affecting children below the age of five in Kerala, it said, adding that the main symptoms include large blisters the size of tomatoes which are red in colour, as well as high fever, body ache, joint swelling, and fatigue - much like chikungunya.

Cases of Tomato Flu have currently been reported from Aryankavu, Anchal, and Neduvathur in Kerala.

Following this, contiguous Karnataka districts - Mangaluru, Udupi, Kodagu, Chamrajnagara and Mysuru - have been directed to keep a vigil on daily travellers from Kerala.

According to the Health Department, it is also advised to monitor children for any of the aforementioned signs and symptoms in OPDs of health institutions. Further directions have been given to inform the state IDSP section immediately if any cases with such symptoms are detected.

DHOs of concerned districts and other districts too are directed by the Commissioner of Health to ensure surveillance is ensured, the statement said.

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