As India still  continues to battle COVID-19  other infections seem to be gearing up to mark their presence in the ongoing battle against infections spreading within the community. Following the monkeypox scare it is now the turn of  a new virus known as ‘tomato flu or tomato fever’.

Here’s all you need to know about ‘Tomato Flu’

What is Tomato Flu or Tomato Fever?

As per the reports by The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, tomato flu or tomato fever is a rare viral disease (caused by enterovirus) typically causing red-colored rashes, skin irritation and dehydration. It is a form of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). The infection has emerged in Kerala, a state in southern part of India in children younger than five years.

The Name

‘Tomato flu’ gets its name due to the characteristic eruption of red and painful blisters throughout the body that gradually enlarge to the size of a tomato. These blisters resemble those seen with the monkeypox virus in young individuals.

Origin and Spread

Tomato flu is a rare, non-life threatening, endemic viral infection. It was first identified in the Kollam district of Kerala on 6 May, 2022. As of 26 July, 2022, the local government hospitals have reported more than 82 cases of children younger than nine years. Apart from Kerala, cases have also been reported in Tamil Nadu and Odisha prompting a strict vigil in the border states to curtail the spread of the disease. 

The infection spreads through close contact, touching infected or unclean surfaces, lack of hand hygiene and putting things directly into the mouth.

Susceptible Group

Children aged one to five years and immunocompromised adults.

Symptoms

Symptoms of tomato flu are mostly similar to dengue, chikungunya and hand, foot, and mouth disease which include:

Painful red rashes and blisters on hands, feet, and buttocks

  • Skin irritation and itching
  • Fever and malaise
  • Painful sores in the mouth
  • Body pains and swollen joints
  • Fatigue
  • Dehydration
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea Nausea and vomiting

Treatment

The tomato flu is a self-limiting infection and has no specific treatment or drugs. The treatment is similar to dengue, chikungunya and hand, foot, and mouth disease and mostly includes:

  • Isolation for 5-7 days
  • Plenty of fluids
  • Rest
  • Hot water sponge for the relief of irritation and rashes
  • Supportive therapy of paracetamol for fever and body ache 
  • Other symptomatic treatments 

Prevention

Similar to other infections of types of influenza, tomato flu is very contagious. Prevention of spread of the disease is crucial. If not controlled and prevented, the infection may spread to adults as well and transmission might lead to serious consequences. 

Spread of tomato flu can be prevented by:

  • Isolation from onset of symptoms to prevent the spread of infection
  • Maintenance of proper hygiene and sanitization 
  • Preventing sharing food and personal belongings such as clothing, toys, and other items between infected and non-infected children

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