According to a study from Lancet, after coronavirus and monkeypox, a new contagious disease, tomato flu is trending in India because many cases of tomato fever have been reported in India since May 2022.
The southern state of Kerala’s Kollam district reported the first case of tomato flu on 6th May 2022. The disease is spreading mainly among children below five years.
What is Tomato Flu?
The name of the viral disease ‘tomato flu’ comes from the vital symptom of the illness- blisters that look like tomatoes in shape, size, and color on various parts of the body. The red blisters steadily develop to the size of tomatoes.
Apart from Kerala, the sickness Odisha also reported a few cases of Tomato Flu among children. Tomato flu affected many regions of Kerala. In addition to Kollam, the other affected parts of Kerala are Anchal, Aryankavu, and Neduvathur.
Origin of Tomato Flu
The origin of the viral disease is unknown and yet to be revealed. Investigations are going on to find out the root of tomato flu.
Causes of Tomato Flu
No causes of tomato flu are identified till now. The Union Health Ministry stated that they are investigating and trying to find out the reasons that trigger the viral illness.
According to a few news reports, the Coxsackie A16 virus causes the viral disease. Intestinal viruses trigger the viral disease which doesn’t occur in adults as adults have a strong immune system.
Symptoms of Tomato Flu
The symptoms of tomato flu are identical to diseases like Chikungunya, and Dengue like body pain, vomiting, fever, skin inflammation, etc. A few experts think that tomato flu could be the after-effects of Chikungunya.
The various symptoms are:
- Skin Soreness- Skin irritation and inflammation is the main symptom of the viral disease among infected people.
- Body and Joint Pain- An individual infected with tomato flu face acute body and joint pain.
- Decoloration- Hands and feet get discolored and marginally undetectable
- Running nose, vomiting, coughing, fever, sneezing, abdominal cramps, and nausea.
- Weariness and Fatigue- While it is generally common in persons who travel frequently, it can also be a health risk.
- In some patients, there were rashes on the skin.
Diagnosis of Tomato Flu
Tomato flu has no relationship to coronavirus, dengue, or chikungunya, according to the Union Health Ministry’s advice.
Individuals showing the symptoms mentioned above can go through molecular and serological tests that help medical professionals identify dengue and chikungunya. Individuals should consult doctors as soon as they experience the symptoms mentioned above.
Treatment
The treatment of tomato flu is identical to the treatment of chikungunya and dengue. Patients are suggested to drink a lot of fluids, keep themselves hydrated, and stay in isolation.
According to Lancet research, Paracetamol for fever and bodily pain, combined with other supportive therapy, is required.
Prevention
Some experts think that the mortality of the viral disease is extremely low and can be prevented easily. A few ways to thwart tomato flu are:
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Maintaining proper personal hygiene
- Drinking lukewarm and boiled water instead of cold water
- Avoid touching any blister
- Physical distancing from infected persons
- Taking adequate rest to avert after effects of tomato flu
The Health Ministry of India said that the viral disease is in its endemic stage. The situation in Kerala has alerted the neighboring southern states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Odisha also reported cases of the viral condition.
In addition to the states of Haryana, Odisha, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, no other state or union territory did not report any case of tomato flu among the children within the state or union territory.
Read More : Langya Virus: The Unexplored Pandemic Breeder Found in China