‘Tomato Flu’ in India

Context

Doctors have sounded an alarm over the “emergence of a new non-life-threatening virus called tomato flu among children below five years of age. 

?What is Tomato Flu?

• 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

• Contact doctor immediately
• Do not scratch the blisters
• Stay hydrated by drinking boiled water.
• Maintain proper hygiene.
• Avoid close contact with the infected person.
• Use warm water for bathing
• Take proper rest to avoid its long-lasting effect