Chennai: Medical experts say that that there is no need to panic against the backdrop of an outbreak of Tomato Flu. Several parts of Kerala reported Tomato Flu cases.
Though some symptoms are similar to Covid-19, the Tomato Flu has nothing to do with Covid-19, they add.
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.
It 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.
Asked what should one do in case of symptoms, health experts say, ‘consulting a doctor immediately is advised. Infected children should avoid touching or scratching the blisters. Drinking boiled water is suggested to kill the bacteria. Maintaining distance from the infected person is mandatory. Try to maintain cleanliness and proper hygiene. Infected people should take proper rest to recover from the flu faster.’
Mostly children have been infected with Tomato flu in Kerala’s Kollam. Cases have also been reported from Aryankavu, Anchal and Neduvathur in the southern State. All confirmed cases are children below five years.
Tamilnadu has ramped up surveillance at its borders in the wake of Tomato flu cases being detected in Kerala and Karnataka.
A team of officials deployed at the Tamilnadu-Kerala border screening people coming from the neighbouring State.