As the world continues its fight against COVID-19 and the ever-spreading monkeypox virus, it seems like another disease is taking hold.
According to a study in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal, “tomato flu” was first identified in India on May 6 and has so far infected 82 children, all under the age of 5.
Tomato flu cases are suspected in 26 children up to 10 years of age.
The apt name for the red blisters that appear on the skin, the new virus is laced with fever and joint pain.
As per the Lancet report, “As we deal with the possible emergence of the fourth wave of COVID-19, a new virus known as tomato flu or tomato fever has emerged in children under 5 years of age in India. ” ,
“Rare viral infection is endemic and considered non-life threatening; However, due to the dire 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 the adjoining areas of Aryankavu and Neduvathur.
“Children are at increased risk of exposure to tomato flu because the viral infection is common in this age group and is likely to be spread through close contact,” the Lancet report said.
Physicians say the infection, for which there is currently no drug to fight it, is “very contagious” and has similarities to hand, foot and mouth disease.
“Given the similarity of hand, foot and mouth disease, if tomato flu outbreaks in children are not controlled and prevented, outbreaks in adults could have serious consequences,” the study said. Having said.
Other reported symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and body aches.
In some cases, although very rarely, a change in the color of the limbs has been reported.
Dr Subhash Chandra, assistant professor of internal medicine at Amrita Hospital told India, “It is not a fatal disease, but it is contagious and can spread from person to person, although the actual ways of spreading the infection are still being studied. He is going.” today.
“Patients who develop tomato fever should drink plenty of fluids and take bed rest, as it is advised for other viral fevers, to keep the body hydrated and well-rested.”
People who contract the virus are kept in isolation for 5 to 7 days.
(This story has not been edited by seemayo staff and is published from a rss feed)