Tomato flu… Are we facing a new pandemic?

Al-Jazeera.net quoted Deutsche Welle: In light of the changes that the world has experienced, since the emergence of the Corona virus “Covid-19” and its spread among all countries, it seemed that its economic, social and health repercussions were very great.

And it did not stop there, but recently other viruses have appeared, according to the German T Online website.

Tomato influenza appeared and spread in some Indian regions; It is a highly contagious virus that infects children, according to a report in Deutsche Welle.

According to the German website Spiegel, the authorities in India have reported 82 cases of so-called tomato flu (or tomato fever) so far.

And researchers from India and Australia spoke for the first time last week in the “The Lancet Respiratory Medicine” regarding the results recorded regarding this virus.

So what do we know so far regarding this epidemic?

What is tomato flu?
The virus first appeared on May 6, 2022 in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. It is most often affected by children between the ages of 1 and 5 years, and adults with weakened immune systems.

The name comes from the symptoms of the disease, in which infected people develop a red rash, blisters, irritation and dryness of the skin.

These are all painful symptoms all over the body, and they can become significant as well.

Experts are trying to find out whether it is really a new virus or whether the disease is the result of infection with chikungunya virus or dengue fever. Both viral diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes.

What are the symptoms of people with tomato flu?
The disease is highly contagious, and in addition to the rash and irritation, people with tomato flu have a high fever, fatigue, joint pain and swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and a runny nose.

How we can diagnose the disease?
Indian authorities are currently pursuing a precautionary principle, in which affected people are tested for certain viruses, such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, chickenpox, and herpes.

For anyone who has not been infected with these viruses, his infection with tomato flu is considered confirmed.

How is the disease transmitted?
The prerequisite for the transmission of this virus appears to be physical contact. But contaminated objects can also lead to infection, especially if children put such objects in their mouths.

Tomato flu is also very contagious. Researchers have warned that the disease might have very serious consequences for adults if outbreaks in children are not controlled.

Patients should be isolated for 5 to 7 days following the onset of symptoms and not share food, items, clothing, etc. with other family members.

Indian health authorities have already closed day care centers in the affected areas as a precaution, and awareness campaigns are now being conducted in villages.

How is the disease treated?
This disease is cured without curative measures. Only patients should be isolated, resting and drinking more fluids so that they do not become dehydrated.

Researchers also recommend symptomatic treatment, such as taking paracetamol for fever. While there are currently no specific vaccines or drugs to treat it.

Are we on the verge of a new pandemic?
Scientists confirm that tomato flu has nothing to do with the Covid-19 virus, even if some of the symptoms are similar. They also point out that the risk of another pandemic is quite low.

The infection of this virus is linked to a specific group and region, but the most important thing is that this virus does not pose any threat to life.