What is “tomato flu”?New virus spreads in India

The ‘tomato flu’ was first identified in India on 6 May and has so far infected 82 children under the age of five. The Lancet Journal of Respiratory Medicine.

In addition, 26 children up to the age of 10 years are suspected to have contracted tomato flu. new york post report.

Named for the red blisters that appear on the skin, the new virus is accompanied by fever and joint pain.

“Just as we are dealing with the possible emergence of a fourth wave of Covid-19, a new virus known as tomato flu or tomato fever has broken out in children under the age of five in the Indian state of Kerala. “When, lancet report.

“The rare viral infection is endemic and is not considered life-threatening. However, due to the horrific 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 neighboring areas of Anchal, Ariankav and Nedubatur.

“Children are at higher risk of exposure to tomato flu, as viral infections are common in this age group and close contact is likely to spread.” lancetadded report.

Medical officials say the infection, which currently has no drugs to fight it, is “highly contagious” and looks a lot like hand-foot-and-mouth disease.

“Given its similarities to hand-foot-and-mouth disease, if outbreaks of tomato flu in children are not controlled and prevented, transmission can spread to adults, with serious consequences,” the study added.

In a few cases, color changes of the extremities were reported.

“It’s not a fatal disease, but it’s contagious and can spread from person to person, but the actual way it spreads is still being researched,” said an assistant professor of internal medicine at Amrita Hospital. Dr Subbass Chandra told India Today. .

“Patients who develop tomato fever should drink plenty of fluids and rest in bed, as recommended for other viral fevers, to keep the body hydrated and well-rested. .”

Those infected with the virus will be quarantined for 5-7 days.

This article was originally new york post Reprinted with permission