As the world continues its fight once morest COVID-19 and the ever-spreading monkeypox virus, it seems another disease is gaining a foothold.
The ‘tomato flu’ was first identified in India on May 6 and has so far infected 82 children, all under the age of five, according to a Lancet Respiratory Medicine Journal study.
Another 26 children up to the age of 10 are suspected cases.
Aptly named for the red blisters that appear on the skin, the new virus is armed with fever and joint pain.
“As we are dealing with the probable emergence of the fourth wave of COVID-19, a new virus known as tomato flu, or tomato fever, has emerged in India in the state of Kerala in India. children under the age of 5,” the Lancet reported. .
“The rare viral infection is in an endemic state and is considered non-life threatening; however, due to the terrible experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, vigilant management is desirable to prevent further outbreaks.
The virus has so far been detected in the Kollam district of Kerala, India, and nearby areas of Anchal, Aryankavu and Neduvathur.
“Children are at increased risk of being exposed to tomato flu because viral infections are common in this age group and spread is likely to be through close contact,” the Lancet report adds.
Doctors say the infection, which currently has no medicine to fight it, is “highly contagious” and bears striking similarities to hand-foot-mouth disease.
“Given the similarities with foot-and-mouth disease, if the tomato influenza epidemic in children is not controlled and prevented, transmission might have serious consequences by spreading also among adults,” adds the study. .
Other reported symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and body aches.
Some cases, although very few, have reported limb color change.
“It is not a fatal disease, but it is contagious and can spread from person to person, although the actual routes of infection spread are still being studied,” said Dr. Subhash Chandra, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at Amrita Hospital. Today.
“Patients who develop tomato fever should drink plenty of fluids and rest in bed, as it is also advised for other viral fevers to keep the body hydrated and well rested.”
Those who contract the virus are placed in isolation for 5 to 7 days.
