Tomato Flu Outbreak In India

Medical experts revealed new reports regarding the tomato flu outbreak in India. Several studies and investigations proved 82 cases of tomato flu or tomato fever from the first appearance of the virus in Kerala on May 6, 2022. Just before the emergence of the fourth wave of coronavirus, researchers also warned about the tomato flu outbreak in India as an emergency.

Tomato flu is a rare viral infection and appears in an endemic form. It is quite non-life-threatening after the consequences of COVID-19. This tomato flu virus commonly targets young children aged one to five years. Moreover, this virus can also affect immunocompromised adults and aged people. It is considered one of the variants of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Studies of some cases suggest that hand, foot, and mouth disease can also affect immunocompetent adults.

What is the tomato flu virus?

The Tomato flu virus was first reported in Kerala on May 6, 2022. Tomato flu virus exhibits the same respiratory symptoms just like COVID-19. But different studies suggest that this virus does not show any similarity with the COVID-19 virus. This tomato flu virus mostly affected children under age 5. It is a rare viral infection causing painful red blisters over the torso and extremities. Different scientists indicate its resemblance to hand, foot, and mouth disease.

The Tomato flu virus is not as dangerous as COVID-19. But, it is a highly infectious disease requiring proper management to break the chain of this tomato flu outbreak in India. Younger children are at higher risk of exposure to the tomato flu virus. This virus requires proper management to prevent its spread of this virus. Otherwise, this virus may lead to fatal consequences like COVID-19.

This virus is named as tomato flu virus because of its appearance. Tomato flu virus starts infection in the form of red blisters emerging on the whole body. These blisters continue to enlarge and form the shape of a tomato. Therefore, this virus is termed the tomato flu virus.

What are the common symptoms of the tomato flu virus?

India reported almost 82 cases of the tomato flu virus. Just after the sudden appearance of these cases as sudden events, researchers dictated this virus as the tomato flu outbreak in India. There are specific symptoms associated with this virus. Moreover, this virus commonly affects children of age lower than 5 years. Let us have a look at the common symptoms of the tomato flu virus to diagnose the situation in a better way. Some of the primary symptoms are as follows:

• High-grade fever
• Severe pain in joints
• Rashes or blisters on the body
• Body aches
• Fatigue

There are several other secondary symptoms associated with the tomato flu virus. These are as follows:

• Swelling in the joints
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Dehydration

Various studies suggest these symptoms have close relevance to dengue fever. As dengue fever also manifests itself with the same signs and symptoms.

How can we diagnose this tomato flu virus?

As the symptoms are quite similar to dengue and COVID-19, patients suffering from these symptoms have to undergo different diagnostic tests. They have to undergo various molecular and serological tests to clear dengue, Zika, varicella-zoster, chikungunya, and herpes virus. After ruling out the positive chances of these viruses, the diagnosis of the tomato flu virus is confirmed.

How can we prevent the transmission of the tomato flu virus?

Preventive measures are necessary to avoid the spread of the tomato flu virus. As this virus can transmit by close contact. There is a list of different ways to prevent the spread of the tomato flu virus. Let us have a look at different precautionary measures to break the chain of transmission of the tomato flu virus.

• Take proper hygiene measures and sanitation methods to prevent transmission.
• Proper medical attention is mandatory to prevent the spread of this virus.
• Avoid contact of the infectious person with another person. It is the main tool to prevent the transmission of the virus among other people.
• Avoid scratching blisters and rashes.
• Take warm showers to get relief.
• Take a balanced diet for immediate recovery.

What is the possible treatment for the tomato flu virus?

Treatment for the tomato flu virus is quite similar to the management of dengue, chikungunya, and hand, foot, and mouth disease. Patients are usually advised to take plenty of fluids with proper rest. Moreover, rest is the key management for getting relief from severe body aches. Patients are usually isolated to break the chain of transmission of the tomato flu virus.

Besides these, physicians usually suggest supportive care through paracetamol for the management of fever and body aches.

Conclusion

After the sudden emergence of 82 cases of tomato flu in Kerala, researchers warned about the tomato flu outbreak in India. Tomato flu virus exhibits almost the same symptoms as fever, body aches, rashes, diarrhea, and vomiting. These symptoms are quite common to other viruses too. Therefore patients suffering from this virus have to undergo different molecular and serological tests.

Ruling out of other viruses indicates the presence of the tomato flu virus. There is not a specific treatment for the tomato flu virus. Supportive therapy with a similar treatment for dengue, chikungunya, and herpes virus is the main management tool to treat this tomato flu virus.

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