New Delhi, May 12: At a time when people are yet to come out of the trauma being caused by the outbreak of Covid-19, another virus, 'Tomato flu', has found its way into Kerala.
The first case of Covid-19 infection was also reported from Kerala on January 27, 2020, when a 20-year-old female presented to the Emergency Department in General Hospital, Thrissur, Kerala, with a one-day history of dry cough and sore throat.
'Tomato flu' is a rare viral disease that causes blisters that look like tomatoes. As of May 11, about 80 children under age five have already been affected by this disease in Kerala. All the 80 cases detected were from Kerala's Kollam district.
The first case of Covid-19 infection was also reported from Kerala on January 27, 2020, when a 20-year-old female presented to the Emergency Department in General Hospital, Thrissur, Kerala, with a one-day history of dry cough and sore throat.
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But since then, Neduvathur, Anchal and Aryankavu districts have also reported some cases of 'Tomato flu' as well. Following this, the neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have been put on alert. The Coimbatore administration has increased border surveillance to prevent the disease from entering Tamil Nadu.
What is Tomato Flu?
'Tomato flu' or 'Tomato' fever is a viral disease that results in rashes or blisters, skin irritation and dehydration.
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What are the symptoms?
Large blisters, the size of tomatoes, which are red in colour, high fever, bodyache and joint swelling — a lot like chikungunya. Other symptoms include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and discolouration of hands, knees and buttocks.
The treatment
There is no specific treatment for this disease.
-PTC News