- An outbreak of ‘tomato flu’ has triggered panic in Kerala’s Kollam district after the mysterious disease was detected in 80 children, all under five years of age.
- Alert has been sounded in districts abutting Kerala over ‘tomato flu’ outbreak in the neighbouring State.
Tomato Flu
- Tomato flu causes rashes and blisters on the infected child’s body. Since the color of the rashes is red and the blisters are tomato-shaped, therefore the unidentified fever has been given the name ‘Tomato flu’.
- It is unclear what is the cause behind Tomato flu–a viral fever or an aftereffect of chikungunya or dengue fever.
- The flu affects children below five years of age.
Symptoms
- The symptoms of tomato flue are–skin irritation, body ache, tiredness, nausea, sneezing, coughing, dehydration, stomach ache, joint swelling, discoloration of hands, knees, buttocks, and dehydration.
- In some cases, it may also change the colour of the legs and the hands.
How can this be prevented?
- A viral infection causes the ‘Tomato flu.’ Even while the situation is not alarming, we must proceed with prudence.
- Stay hydrated by drinking boiled water.
- Don’t let the blisters formed by Tomato Flu crack.
- Keep your distance from the infected person.
- Maintaining excellent hygiene is crucial for the diseased person.
Tomato flu surveillance in Tamil Nadu
- As a step against the spread of the tomato flu in one of the districts of neighbouring Kerala, a medical team is carrying out tests on those entering Coimbatore for fever, rashes, and other illnesses – symptoms of such flu – at Walayar on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border.
- Two medical officers are leading the team to check passengers, particularly children, of all vehicles, official sources said on Tuesday (May 11).
- Also, a 24-member team has been formed to check the children, aged below five, in Anganwadi.
- In this background, the border districts of the State — Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, and Mysuru — have been directed to keep a vigil on daily travellers from Kerala and also monitor children for any of the signs and symptoms in OPDs of health institutions.
Different types of Flu
- Influenza (flu) viruses share a similar genetic makeup, and they all infect the respiratory system. But there are several types and subtypes, some of which are more of a threat than others.
- Mainly there are four types of flu viruses, called A, B, C, and D, some of which can be further categorized into subtypes or at least specific strains.
Question:
What is the causal agent of Chikungunya
- Nematode
- Virus
- Fungus
- Non-chlorophyllous bacterium
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