Article Title: Centre issues advisory to states on Tomato Flu
24-08-2022
Science & Technology Prelims Plus
Tomato fever (or tomato flu) is a disease endemic to Kerala, India that gets its name because of the red and round blisters it causes, which look like tomatoes.
It mainly affects children under the age of five. Now it affects children from 1-9 years also.
The disease may be an effect of chikungunya or dengue fever, or a new variant of the viral hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), flu may be a misnomer.
HFMD is characterized by fever, sores in the mouth, and a skin rash. It begins with mild fever, poor appetite, malaise, and often a sore throat.
An ongoing outbreak was identified in the Kollam district on May 6, 2022.
Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dehydration, swelling of joints, body aches, and common influenza-like symptoms.
There is no specific medication for treating the disease, and it may run its course with time.
Care is similar to that used with chikungunya, dengue fever and HFMD; this includes paracetamol to relieve aches and fever, rest, hydration, and sponge baths.
Isolation, better washing practices, and sanitising may help prevent contagion.
POLITICAL SCIENCE & IR HYBRID BATCH ORIENTATION : 20-11-2024