The Uttar Pradesh government issued a standard operating procedure-cum-advisory to district health machinery late on Friday, urging residents of the state to be watchful of the signs of tomato fever or the flu.

More than 100 instances of tomato fever, also known as hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), have been recorded in various Indian states, including Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Haryana, since the first incidence of tomato flu, was reported in India on May 6. The Union health ministry took note of the situation and on Tuesday released a tomato flu advisory.

According to the advisory, the primary symptom of this illness, which manifests as "tomato-shaped blisters" on various body areas, gave rise to the name "tomato flu." The main signs of tomato flu in children are similar to those of other viral infections, such as fever, skin rashes, and joint pain. But some specific signs and symptoms include a low-grade fever, appetite loss, lethargy, and frequently a sore throat. After the fever has started for one or two days, the little red patches turn into blisters and ultimately ulcers. The typical sites for the sores include the tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks, palms, and soles.

The diseases have so far been observed in school-going youngsters, often those under the age of ten. The Union Health Ministry stated that using diapers, touching dirty surfaces, and putting objects directly in their mouths all increase the risk of illness in babies and young children. Experts have advised parents not to worry too much, as tomato flu is a self-limiting infectious condition, and its symptoms are short-lived and curable.  (Times of India, Aug 27, 2022)