- Ever since the world has gone through the period of coronavirus, the awareness regarding any such infection has raised amongst people.
- Along with this are emerging several other infections such as tomato pox disease.
- Tomato pox or flu is mainly targeting children of age below 5 years in Kerala’s Kollam.
- Nearly 80 cases have been observed to date (data include only government healthcare centers). However, the number may increase if counted cases in private hospitals too.
- The government of Kerala has been taking some preventive measures to improve health conditions.
- Campaigns along the Anganwadi centers are also going on.
- To know more about the “tomato flu”, go through the complete article.
What is “Tomato pox or flu”?
- It is also called “Tomato fever’.
- Children are at more risk of getting this type of undiagnosed fever.
- Debates are going on over ‘whether it is a viral fever or a post-causal effect of dengue or chikungunya fever.
- The patient gets red and sore blisters over the skin with rashes, dehydration, and irritation in the skin area.
- The shape and size of blisters can also resemble tomatoes hence called” tomato fever”.
Why is the “tomato” name given to disease?
- As per some mythological sources, the flu is related to tomatoes.
- Named tomato is given due to the red and sore bubbles that a child gets over the whole body after suffering from this flu.
- These blood blisters may grow even to the size of a tomato.
- These blisters do look similar to those of blisters of the monkeypox virus in young people.
How did it originate?
- First recognized on 6 May 2022 in the Kollam district of Kerala, India.
- More than 82 children with Ages lower than 5 years are suffering as per data on 26 July 2022 in local government hospitals.
- Anchal, Neduvathur, and Aryankavu are some other areas affected by this pox disease.
How to diagnose?
- Patients having tomato flu can be diagnosed via some molecular and serological tools and techniques.
- Diagnostic processes for zika virus, Chikungunya, and Dengue can be used for diagnosing tomato pox also.
Symptoms.
Indications and symptoms of ‘tomato fever’ may include rashes and dehydration along with skin irritation. Some of the effects that may be observed along are as follows:
- Tiredness
- Sleeplessness
- Pain in joints
- High fever
- Soreness
- Aches all over the body
- Discoloration of organs (hands, knees, buttocks, etc)
- Nausea
- Diarrohea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose with severe cold
What are the causes?
- Even if the causes of this flu are unknown, people are associating it with a virus such as the coronavirus.
- Health officials are still researching this particular fever.
- Asper several sources and reports, only in Kollam, Kerala part of India tomato flu is being seen.
- The health officials have cautioned that this might binge to other areas if action and preventive measures are not taken on time.
Prevention.
- Immediate concern should be given after a blister or high fever is observed.
- Parents should consult the nearest doctor as soon as possible on the onset of any disease or infection in their child.
- Patients are counseled to remain hydrated throughout the day.
- Proper cleanliness and hygiene should be sustained.
- Avoid any close interaction with the infected patient.
