As the nation progresses toward normalcy post the COVID frenzy, it looks like another virus in Kerala is ready to outbreak. The viral infection is termed ‘Tomato Flu’ or ‘Tomato Fever’ which gets its name from the red blister reaction that it causes. It is important to understand that the infection has got nothing to do with the consumption of tomatoes and doesn’t suggest any kind of danger from them.
What causes the Tomato Flu and Whom Does It Affect?
While the exact cause of the mystery remains unknown, it is being predicted that a bacteria known as Shigella may be the cause of it as the contraction of this bacteria led to the death of a young girl in Kasargod, Kerala. It is also being debated that the infection may be an aftereffect of dengue or chikungunya.
According to the reports, the virus has already infected about 80 children in Kerala, and as the number suggests the infection is more likely to affect kids below the age of 5, in comparison to adults.
What are the Symptoms of Tomato Flu?
The infection primarily causes rashes that are the size of tomatoes and cause severe skin irritation and dehydration. Apart from these a few other symptoms experienced by kids suffering from this infection include:
- Blisters
- High fever
- Swelling of the joints
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Body ache
- Discoloration of the mouth, buttocks, and knees
- Worms might emerge from the blisters formed on the rashes
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cough and cold
- Runny nose
Treatment of Tomato Flu
Like other viral infections, Tomato Fever is also communicable and spreads by coming in contact with an infected person. Therefore the first step to be taken when a person is detected with the flu must be the isolation of the infected person.
It is also important to discourage children from scratching the rashes as it might aggravate the condition and also spread it to other areas of the body.
A few precautions that must necessarily be observed to avoid the contraction of this skin infection include:
- Maintaining proper hygiene is the key to ensuring protection against any infection and preventing its further spread.
- Bed linen, clothing, towels, and utensils used by the infected person must be properly washed and sanitized to avoid the spreading of the infection.
- Increasing the intake of fluids can help in countering dehydration and may help in soothing down the symptoms.
- If you begin to observe any signs or symptoms in your kids make sure you get them checked by a doctor.
- Taking proper rest is absolutely essential for a speedy recovery.
A team of health, revenue, and police officials has been deployed at the Walayar check post at the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala to screen people traveling from the neighboring states. Three teams of officials have also been reported to take rounds and monitor the area to check for symptoms on a rotational basis.
It is important to ensure the hygiene and safety of you and your family, especially infants and kids. In case you require any more assistance regarding the preventive or treatment measures for Tomato Flu, you can contact us at avedaayur.com where our team of experienced Ayurvedic MD Doctors will assist you in treating and avoiding the condition.
