Just when the country is still reeling under COVID pandemic, a new virus causing tomato flu or tomato fever has generated serious concern among health watchers.
What Is Tomato Flu Fever?
Tomato flu is believed to be a variation of the hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). It is caused by enteroviruses.
The name “tomato” fever is based on the size, shape, and color of the blisters which appear on the body. These blisters look like red tomatoes hence the name tomato fever.
Tomato fever is a self-limiting disease.
Tomato fever could be an aftereffect of chikungunya or dengue fever in children rather than a viral infection.
Symptoms Of Tomato Flu Fever
- High fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Swelling of joints
- Rashes
- Pain in joints
- Red and painful blisters which enlarge to the size of a tomato
- Skin irritation
- Fatigue
- Body ache
Tomato Flu Fever: How does it spread?
As seen from the recent outbreak, children are at a higher risk of contracting this infection.
There are several reasons for this, but some of the most prominent are touching dirty surfaces, putting objects directly in the mouth, and sharing toys, clothing, food, or other items with an infected child. It is to do.
Tomato flu, just like any other viral infection spreads through close contact.
How to confirm tomato flu in kids?
When these symptoms are detected in a child, molecular and serological tests are performed to diagnose dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, varicella-zoster virus, and herpes, once these viral infections have been ruled out.
What is the status of tomato flu in India currently?
The ongoing tomato flu outbreak was first reported in the Kollam district of Kerala. From May 26, 2022 to July 26, 2022 more than 82 of her children under the age of five were found to have the disease.
In addition to this, 26 kids in Odisha have also been detected with this fever. To date, apart from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha, no other regions in India have been affected by the virus.
Tomato fever cases have been reported in Kerala
Tomato flu cases have been reported in Kerala. A total of 82 cases have been found in kids below 5 years of age.
The rare viral infection is in an endemic state and is considered non-life-threatening; however, because of the dreadful experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, vigilant management is desirable to prevent further outbreaks.
Flu Treatment
Because tomato flu is similar to chikungunya and dengue as well as hand, foot, and mouth disease, treatment is also similar i.e., isolation, rest, plenty of fluids, and a hot water sponge for the relief of irritation and rashes. Supportive therapy of paracetamol for fever and body ache and other symptomatic treatments are required. Isolation for 5-7 days from the onset of the symptoms is essential in order to stop the infection from spreading from one infected individual to another healthy individual.
