Thread by @BiIndia

#TomatoFlu cases spread to Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Odisha — Know more about this contagious disease

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By @VaamanaaSethi

As India continues to battle #COVID19, another contagious disease called ‘tomato flu or tomato fever’ is creating havoc in the country. It has now spread to four states — Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Kerala.

#TomatoFlu

A total of 100 cases, in children below the age of 5 years, have been reported so far in the country. The first case of tomato flu was identified in Kerala on May 6.

Additionally, Bhubaneswar has reported 26 cases of #TomatoFlu in children between the ages of 1-9 years.

What is #TomatoFlu?

Caused by enteroviruses, it is seen to be a clinical variant of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). The flu gets its name from the tomato-shaped blisters it causes on the body. The flu causes rashes or blisters, skin irritation and dehydration.

According to a Lancet report, “Children are at increased risk of exposure to tomato flu as viral infections are common in this age group and spread is likely to be through close contact.”

#TomatoFlu
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Probable reasons behind the spread among children could be touching unclean surfaces, putting things directly into the mouth, sharing toys, clothes, food and other items with an infected child.

#TomatoFlu
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Tomato fever is a self-limiting disease and is considered non-life threatening. Currently, there are no proper drugs and vaccines available to treat the disease. Isolation, rest, plenty of fluids and hot water sponge is effective for relief from irritation and rashes.

#TomatoFlu

The central government has rolled out an advisory on the virus.

It said that children must be educated about the signs and symptoms, and side effects of #Tomatoflu. The government has advised isolation of five to seven days from the onset of any symptoms to prevent spread.