According to reports, “tomato flu” is detected in children in Tamil Nadu’s neighbouring State, Kerala. In a bid to stop the mysterious flu from spreading to Tamil Nadu, a medical team is carrying out tests on those entering Coimbatore for fever, rashes and other illness at Walayar checkpost on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. But what is this new flu and what are its symptoms? Let’s find out.
Over 80 children below five years of age in Kollam district in Kerala are suffering from what is called “tomato flu”, an unidentified fever. What is of concern is that the number from this rare viral infection is predicted to go up.
Symptoms
Infected children experience skin irritation, and develop huge red blisters on different parts of the body, and hence the name “tomato flu.” They feel dehydrated and run a high temperature. It is said that the symptoms of the tomato flu are very much like in a chikungunya infection.
Besides a high fever, skin irritation and blisters, the symptoms of the tomato flu include fatigue, body ache, swelling in joints, coughing, sneezing, and runny nose. Some children reportedly experience abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. With the cause of the fever still not known, parents should exercise caution. As of now, there is no specific medicine to treat this fever.
WHEN IN DOUBT ABOUT THE INFECTION…
*Consult a doctor immediately if you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
*Drink a lot of boiled-and-chilled water to stay hydrated.
*Stay indoors and take ample rest.
*Keep yourself isolated and avoid close contact with family members, as this infection is likely to spread from person to person.
* Do not scratch the blisters as it may spread the infection.
* Last but not least, maintain hygiene.
Picture Credit : Google
