Nipah is a zoonotic disease, meaning that the virus can be passed from animals to humans, most commonly bats or pigs.
Digital Desk: Covid is declining, but the Karnataka government keeps an eye on two new diseases in neighboring states.
Tomato flu is a virus infection that causes skin irritation, dehydration, and rashes, primarily in children under five. Kerala has also issued an alert since the breeding season for bats carrying the Nipah virus has begun.
"District health officials have received two advisories. Though no 'tomato flu' cases have been reported in Karnataka, Kerala has reported 80 cases. "Our officials must be aware of the symptoms and notify us as soon as they identify cases," said Randeep D, Commissioner, Health and Family Welfare Department.
Mangaluru, Udupi, Kodagu, Chamarjanagar, and Mysuru have been warned to keep a close eye on everyday visitors from Kerala and check youngsters in OPDs for any symptoms.
According to Dr. Aditya S Chowti, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Hospitals in Karnataka have not recorded any tomato flu cases. Some of the symptoms are red rashes and skin irritation, tiredness, joint soreness, high fever, nausea, common cold, cramps, and body ache.
It's known as 'tomato flu' in Kerala and Tamil Nadu because the water-filled lesions are red.
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
The medical name for 'tomato flu' is 'Hand Foot Mouth Disease,' according to Dr. Archana M, Consultant — pediatric infectious disease, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road.
"Viruses from the enterovirus genus, most commonly the coxsackievirus, cause it." It's most common among youngsters under five," she added. She said it is a contagious infection that spreads via contact and air. It has the potential to spread to daycare centers and other locations.
According to the doctor, such cases have been seen in Manipal Hospital, and there has been an increase in the last month.
If a kid is infected, Dr. Sirkanta JT, Consultant — Paediatric Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, recommends maintaining appropriate water, taking adequate analgesics for fever, and, most importantly, avoiding scratching blisters.
Karnataka also keeps a careful eye on Nipah virus signs in regions bordering Kerala. "There was a similar worry a few months back," Dr. Rajendra KV, Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada, stated.
However, we are taking precautions. We won't be able to stop every vehicle that enters the district. We are keeping a careful eye on things because 90% of Kasargod residents come to Dakshina Kannada." Field police have been directed to increase monitoring, he said.
Nipah is a zoonotic disease, and the virus can be transmitted to humans from animals. Symptoms can appear from four days to two weeks after exposure to the virus. Patients report fever and headache accompanied by respiratory illness such as cough, sore throat, and difficulty breathing.
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