Tomato fever

Tomato fever (or tomato flu) is a viral infection which has broken out in India in May, 2022. It was first reported in Kerala.^[1] The disease gets its name because of the red and round blisters it causes, which look just like tomatoes. The virus mainly affects children under the age of five.^[2]

Tomato fever
Other names	Tomato Flu
Specialty	Infectious disease
Symptoms	Red Blisters, Fever, Skin Rashes, Dehydration, Diarrhoea
Usual onset	3–6 days post exposure
Duration	1 week
Causes	Coxsackievirus A16, Enterovirus 71
Diagnostic method	Based on symptoms
Prevention	Good Hygiene
Treatment	Supportive Care
Deaths	Not Fatal

Health experts earlier thought that tomato fever was a viral fever caused by a novel virus or it was an aftereffect of tropical diseases like chikungunya or dengue fever, because it only affected those who were recovering from those diseases.^[1] However, now several virologists believe that “tomato fever” is likely a new variant of the viral hand, foot, and mouth infection (HFMD), which is very common in young children because of their weak immune systems. Dr Jacob John, a prominent virologist, told the BBC that the fever shouldn't be called "Tomato flu" as it is a classic case of an HFMD outbreak, which has been reported in Kerala before as well.^[3] Tamil Nadu's Health Secretary, Dr. J Radhakrishnan, confirmed that the infection spreading in Kerala is caused by a virus variant of the HFMD disease and should not be confused with a new disease.^[4] Karnataka's Health Minister, K Sudhakar, also supported that theory and requested citizens to not panic and spread misinformation.^[5]

It is highly contagious and is transmitted by nasopharyngeal secretions (saliva or nasal mucus) by direct contact, or by fecal-oral route. The bodily secretions can be infectious for several days, even after the symptoms have been resolved.^[6]

The most common symptoms, in most cases, include fever, painful sores in the mouth, dehydration, and a rash with blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks. In addition to those symptoms, the flu may cause joint pains, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, runny nose, body aches, and fatigue. The colour of the legs and hands may also change in some cases.^[7]

The simplest way to avoid getting it is to practise good hygiene. Along with this, our surroundings should be kept clean and sanitised regularly. Proper cleaning of shared utensils, disinfection of contaminated surfaces, and proper hand hygiene can limit the disease's spread. Family and friends should avoid close contact with the diseased person. However, if parents see any signs in their children, they should contact a health expert to obtain their help.^[8]

The disease is self-limiting and there is no specific medication for it. A high amount of supportive care is required. Excessive fluid intake would also help to counteract dehydration. The infected child should be kept in isolation to prevent the spread of the disease and they should be provided with a balanced diet, which would help in their speedy recovery. The infected child must be bathed with warm water once a day to maintain proper hygiene. Personal items like utensils, clothes, toys, and other items used by the infected child must be sanitised to prevent the flu from spreading. To prevent the long-term effects of the disease, the infected child should get plenty of rest. The child should be encouraged to not scratch their blisters as this may worsen the symptoms.^[8][9]

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