Uttarakhand on Alert as ‘Tomato Flu’ Cases Rise: Health Officials Urge Vigilance and Hygiene
Health Correspondent
Nainital, Uttarakhand — Health authorities in Uttarakhand have sounded the alarm after confirming a rise in cases of “tomato flu,” the common name for Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), a highly contagious viral infection that mainly affects children. As of this week, 28 cases have been officially recorded across the state, with the majority reported in Sitarganj, a town in the Udham Singh Nagar district.
The state’s Health Department has issued a public health alert and initiated rapid response measures. Surveillance has been stepped up in schools, childcare centers, and local communities, and medical officers have been instructed to identify and report suspected cases immediately. Diagnostic samples are being collected and sent to district laboratories for swift confirmation.
What Is Tomato Flu?
Despite its alarming name, “tomato flu” is not a new virus. The term refers to the blistering red rashes that resemble small tomatoes, a classic symptom of HFMD. The illness is most commonly caused by Coxsackievirus A16, although other enteroviruses can be responsible as well.
“HFMD is well known in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly during the monsoon season,” said Dr. Shivani, a general physician at B.D. Pandey District Hospital in Nainital. “Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in cases among children aged five to ten.”
HFMD typically runs a mild course and resolves on its own, but it spreads quickly in crowded or communal environments—especially where young children interact closely.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Early signs of tomato flu often resemble those of a common cold or seasonal viral fever. These include mild fever, sore throat, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Within 24 to 48 hours, characteristic red rashes or small fluid-filled blisters may develop on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, particularly on the tongue and inner cheeks.
“These mouth ulcers can make eating or drinking very uncomfortable,” Dr. Shivani explained. “Parents should seek medical attention as soon as these signs appear to prevent dehydration and to stop the infection from spreading further.”
How the Virus Spreads
HFMD spreads primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing or sneezing, direct contact with blister fluid, or touching contaminated objects such as toys, doorknobs, or utensils. Children under ten are at the greatest risk due to their developing immune systems and frequent hand-to-mouth behavior. Adults with weakened immunity can also become infected.
Although tomato flu rarely leads to serious complications, its rapid transmission can fuel community-wide outbreaks, particularly in schools, anganwadis (childcare centers), and other high-contact settings.
Statewide Health Measures
In response to the growing number of cases, the Uttarakhand Health Department has activated its disease surveillance protocol. Schools have been advised to screen students for symptoms, promote frequent handwashing, and keep symptomatic children at home until they are no longer contagious—typically about 7 to 10 days.
Medical experts are urging families to adopt strict preventive hygiene, including:
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
- Avoiding close contact such as hugging or sharing utensils with infected individuals.
- Disinfecting common surfaces like toys, doorknobs, and bedding daily.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or elbows to prevent droplet spread.
Building Immunity Through Nutrition
Doctors emphasize that maintaining a strong immune system can help reduce susceptibility to infection and speed up recovery. Nutritional recommendations include:
- Eating vitamin C–rich foods such as amla (Indian gooseberry), oranges, lemons, and guavas.
- Incorporating traditional immunity boosters like turmeric milk, tulsi (holy basil) tea, and giloy decoctions.
- Ensuring adequate protein intake and adding green leafy vegetables to daily meals.
Community Role Is Key
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HFMD. Most patients recover fully with supportive care, adequate fluids, rest, and over-the-counter pain relief for ulcers. However, early detection and isolation remain crucial to controlling further spread.
“Community awareness and prompt reporting are essential,” said a senior official from the State Health Directorate. “Parents, teachers, and local leaders must work together to prevent this outbreak from escalating.”
With the monsoon season continuing and schools in full session, health authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Teams have been deployed to affected areas to support contact tracing and community outreach.
For now, health officials stress that vigilance, hygiene, and timely medical consultation remain the most effective defenses against the spread of tomato flu in Uttarakhand.
