Tomato Flu

Tomato Flu
Source: Indian Express
GS II: Policies and Developmental Studies

What is discussed under Tomato Flu?

The new virus ‘Tomato flu’ was detected in India according to a report in the Lancet Respiratory Journal.
In India, 82 children have been infected with the “tomato flu” to yet.
It’s significant to highlight that all infected kids are under the age of five.

The infection is named ‘tomato flu’ because of the red and painful blisters that appear throughout and grow gradually to the size of a tomato.
The disease, which seems to be a variant of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), occurs mainly in children under 10 years of age, but it can occur in adults too.
It is a self-limiting disease, as the signs and symptoms resolve after a few days.
It is caused by Coxsackievirus A 16 belongs to the group of enteroviruses.

Symptoms

Skin irritation: It is one of the most common symptoms of a Tomato Flu-infected person.
Decolouration: Legs and hands get discoloured and slightly unidentifiable.
Image by Victoria_Borodinova from Pixabay
Fatigue and tiredness: While fatigue can be common for people who travel a lot, fatigue can be a health risk.
Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea: While these symptoms are also common, they can affect your overall health.
Coughing, fever, sneezing or runny nose: These symptoms are quite common in coronavirus as well.
Joint pain and body ache: A virus-infected person would have difficulty moving smoothly.

Transmission

This viral infection spread through close contact.
Since viral infections are widespread in children this age and transmission is most probable through close contact, children are more likely to be exposed to tomato flu.
Young children can acquire this virus by touching dirty surfaces, using diapers, and putting objects directly in their mouths.
Utensils, clothes and other items used by the infected persons must be sanitised to prevent the flu from spreading.
Given the similarity to hand, foot, and mouth illness, the transmission of might have significant consequences by spreading to adults if the outbreak in children is not contained and stopped.

Treatment

The known treatment for Tomato flu seems similar to the treatment of Chikungunya and Dengue.
Patients are advised to isolate rest, stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.
Use a hot water sponge for the relief of irritation and rashes.
Supportive therapy of paracetamol for fever and body ache and other symptomatic treatments are required.
Currently, no antiviral drugs or vaccines are available for treatment or prevention.

Children must be educated about the signs and symptoms and side effects of the illness.
Monitoring for serious outcomes and sequelae to better understand the need for potential treatments.
Proper screening by the health authorities.
Increased surveillance.

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