First identified in the Kollam district of Kerala on May 6, Tomato Flu has now crossed the 100-case threshold in India. As of August 24th, the country had reported as many as 82 confirmed cases of the viral disease. Following Kerala, the states of Tamil Nadu, Haryana, and Odisha have all reported flu activity. The disease has spread to children younger than five.
Why is it called “Tomato Flu” only?
Infected individuals develop blisters the size of tomatoes, which are red and painful. Even though tomatoes have nothing to do with the illness, it has been dubbed “Tomato Flu.”
Signs of Tomato Influenza
Tomato flu in children primarily manifests itself with symptoms that are very similar to those of chikungunya. If doctors encounter patients with a high fever, rashes, and severe joint pain, they should immediately suspect tomato fever.
Causing Factors for the Tomato Pandemic
To date, scientists have been unable to pinpoint where exactly the Tomato Flu virus first emerged. The root causes of Tomato Fever are still being investigated by health officials.
Cure for the Tomato Virus
We can draw parallels between the known treatments for Tomato flu and those for Chikungunya and Dengue. Patients are encouraged to take it easy, drink plenty of fluids, and rest in a quiet place.
Suggestions
The Lancet report suggests medications like paracetamol for fever and body ache alongside other symptomatic treatments.