Tomato flu special key point:
- Scientists say the “virus “which is highly contagious but non-life- threatening, could be linked to chikungunya, or dengue fever, or viral hand, foot, and mouth disease.
- Tomato flu- so called due to the painful red blisters it produces- has so far been detected in more than 100 children across three states since the first case was reported on May 6.
- The emergence of a rare, new viral infection afflicting young children has promoted health authorities in India India to issue a health advisory.
Tomato flu- so called due to the painful red blister it produces has so far been detected in 82 children aged under 5 in the state of Kerala where the first case was detected on May 6.
An additional 26 cases have since been reported in neighbouring Tamilnadu State and Odisha in the East, where children as old and 9 have been infected.
India’s health ministry has said that the virus is non-life- threatening but issued testing and prevention guidelines to all states this week, urging parents to be extra vigilant in checking their children for symptoms.
Tomato flu outbreak in India?
A new virus disease called tomato flu has been reported in Kerala, India, According to an article in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine the first case of this Mysterious illness was reported on May-6. There have now been over 80 cases, with the disease spreading to other parts of India.
Although the children can be unwell, there have been no reports of serious illness or death so far. Everyone seems to be recovering.
They thought that perhaps the unusual tomato- shaped rash might be occurring because children were reacting differently to infection after they had COVID. Also, because of the large size of the sports there was even a suggestion that it might be monkeypox.
Most of those infected are children under the age of five, with symptoms including a high temperature, intense joint pain and a rash. The children also suffered an eruption of red, painful blisters that grew to the size of a tomato fever.
What is tomato flu?
Tomato flu is a highly contagious viral infection, which spreads via close contact particularly among young children aged under 5 years.
Scientists are still trying to identify the route cause of the virus. However, they say ” it is not related to SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), despite displaying some similar symptoms.
Alternatively, it could be a new variant of the viral hand foot and mouth disease a common infectious disease targeting mostly children aged one to five years and immunocompromised adults.
Causes of tomato flu?
Tomato flu could be an after-effect of chikungunya or dengue fever in children rather than a viral infection. Biology and pathogenesis of chikungunya virus.
Symptoms of tomato flu?
Early symptoms-
- Running nose.
- Muscles or body aches.
- Fatigue
- Coughing.
- Chills.
- Scratchy or sore throat
- Sudden fever (unusually above 100°F) (38°C).
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea though this is more common in children than adults.
- Blister on the skin
- Mouth ulcer.
- Severe pain in the joint
What is Treatment of tomato flu?
As of today, no antiviral drugs or vaccine are available for the treatment or prevention of tomato flu, further research and investigations or needed to better understand the need for potential treatments.
As per the Lancet report. Tomato flu is a self limiting disease and no specific drugs exist to treat it. Since the symptoms of tomato fever are similar to those of dengue or chikungunya. The treatment technique is also similar. the treatment of tomato flu includes isolation, rest, plenty, or fluids and a hot water sponge for the relief of irritation and rashes. In Addition to that supportive therapy of paracetamol. Four fever and body ache and other symptomatic treatments are required.
Prevention of tomato flu?
- Educate them about the signs and symptoms of tomato fever so that they can maintain distance from any person showing or having those symptoms.
- Tell them not to shake hands, play or hug any child who has symptoms of tomato fever.
- Teach your children about this virus and its effect on the body.
- Avoid close contact with the infected person.
- Encourage children to maintain hygiene and stop activities that involve bodily fluids like sucking their thumb or picking their nose.
- Isolate your child if they are showing symptoms of tomato fever.
- Include immunity booster and nutrient rich foods in the diet of your children.
Prevention is the best cure, this old adage fits perfectly for tomato flu. Since more research is needed to understand the causes and devise a treatment for it, the best way to keep our child safe from tomato fever is to adopt precautionary measures.
I hope that you liked this articles!!
Thanks (by GS India Nursing, Lucknow India).