India has once again declared an epidemic of a “highly contagious” viral disease. Medical personnel is currently treating the COVID-19 and monkeypox viruses, but a new virus dubbed tomato flu, or tomato fever, has surfaced in India in young children.
According to a report from The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, the unique viral infection is widespread and not considered to be life threatening. Since the virus was first found on May 6 in Kerala, 82 cases have been reported. Additionally, due to the 26 instances of tomato fever reported in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra are all on high alert.
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Discover the signs, causes, cures, and strategies for avoiding tomato flu.
What exactly is the tomato flu?
Tomato flu or tomato fever, a rare viral infection that causes skin irritation, dehydration, and rashes, most frequently affects kids under the age of five. Instead of a fresh viral infection, it could be a consequence of children’s dengue or chikungunya fever. The viral hand, foot, and mouth disease, which primarily affects youngsters between the ages of one and five and immunocompromised adults, may have a unique variation, claims some research.
Symptoms of tomato fever or tomato sickness
Initial tomato flu symptoms resemble those of dengue and chikungunya, including high fever, rashes, and agonizing joint pain. Rashes and blisters that resemble those brought on by the monkeypox virus occur all over the body, aggravating the skin. Other indications include
Fatigue
Cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Dehydration
Increasing joint swell
Body pains
The Cause of India’s Tomato Flu Outbreak: What triggers the tomato flu?
The precise cause of the tomato virus’s spread is yet unknown. More research is being done by scientists and medical experts to discover more about the virus that causes tomato fever.
Dr. Archana M, Consultant – Pediatric Infectious Disease, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, claims that the sickness is known as “Hand Foot Mouth disease.”
Coxsackievirus, which is most usually present, belongs to the enterovirus genus, she noted. Kids under five are typically affected most of the time. According to the doctor, tomato flu is a highly contagious virus that can be transferred through contact with people extremely close to you. So it’s recommended to practice isolation. Young infants can contract this virus from direct item ingestion, diaper use, and exposure to filthy surfaces.
Treatment for Tomato Flu: What is Tomato Flu?
The Lancet report claims that tomato flu is a self-limiting condition for which there is no specific treatment. The manner of treatment for tomato fever is the same as that for dengue.
Tomato flu cannot yet be treated or prevented using antiviral drugs or vaccinations. Further research and investigation are needed to better understand the need for potential solutions.
Techniques for preventing the tomato flu Tomato Flu Warnings
When it comes to tomato flu, the adage “Prevention is the best medicine” is accurate. The best way to protect our children from tomato fever is to practice prevention since more research is needed to understand the causes and find a solution. Following are some precautions to follow to prevent catching this flu:
What are a few typical queries?
Is the tomato flu contagious?
A: Contact with an infected person allows the highly contagious ailment known as tomato flu to spread.
Is it necessary to send a child who displays symptoms of tomato fever to the doctor?
A: Tomato flu is a highly contagious disease even if it is not fatal. Most of the time, a few medications can be used to treat it at home. However, you should schedule a visit with a doctor before giving your child any medications. If your child is displaying severe symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, they may require hospitalisation. If your child experiences discomfort when drinking because they are under six months old, have a weakened immune system, or have mouth sores or a sore throat.
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How many days does tomato fever last?
A particular course of treatment is not necessary for tomato fever. The signs and symptoms disappear after 7 to 10 days. To find out more about the management of infectious diseases in Bangalore, speak with one of our specialists.
When we have tomato fever, can we take a bath?
Yes, a child with tomato fever is able to take a bath. Instead, warm water and a few drops of an antiseptic like Dettol should be used.
Is tomato fever brought on by eating tomatoes?
A: Eating tomatoes won’t give you tomato fever. Its name comes from the red, spherical blisters that the tomato fever or tomato virus causes that resemble tomatoes.