No need to panic about reports of Tomato Flu in Kerala as it is endemic to the state: Dr.K.Sudhakar

Tomato Flu unrelated to COVID-19; authorities instructed to remain vigilant

Bengaluru, May 11: Tomato Flu is a rare viral disease, which causes red-coloured rashes, skin irritation and dehydration. The disease gets its name from the blisters it causes, which look like tomatoes.

The tomato fever is affecting children below the age of five in Kerala.

The Tomato flu is a completely different disease and is in no way related to COVID-19.

The main symptom of the Tomato Flu include large blisters the size of tomatoes which are red in color. Other symptoms of the flu include high fever, body ache, joint swelling and fatigue – much like chikungunya.

Cases of Tomato flu have currently been reported from Aryankavu, Anchal and Neduvathur in Kerala state.

In this background the border districts of the State – Mangaluru, Udupi, Kodagu, Chamrajnagara and Mysuru – have been directed to keep a vigil on daily travelers from Kerala and also monitor children for any of the aforementioned signs and symptoms in OPDs of Health Institutions. Further directions have been given to inform the State IDSP section immediately if any cases with such symptoms are detected.

DHOs of concerned districts and other districts too are directed by the Commissioner of Health to ensure surveillance is ensured.

Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar however clarified that there is no need to panic. “Though some symptoms are similar to COVID-19, the Tomato Flu has nothing to do with COVID-19. These symptoms are usually seen in other types of viral infections also. There is no need to panic as the authorities have been asked to remain alert. Moreover, the Tomato Flu is endemic to Kerala,” Minister Sudhakar said.

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