Tomato Flu: Children at risk

As viral infections are common in this age group, Children are at increased risk of exposure to tomato flu and spread is likely to be through close contact. Young children are also prone to this infection through use of nappies, touching unclean surfaces, as well as putting things directly into the mouth,” read the report published on August 17. “…If the outbreak of tomato flu in children is not controlled and prevented, transmission might lead to serious consequences by spreading in adults as well,” it added.

Though considered non-life-threatening, vigilant management is desirable to prevent further outbreaks, especially because of the dreadful experience of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the study.

Tomato Flu: Symptoms

The symptoms of this rare viral infection are the eruption of red and painful blisters throughout the body that gradually enlarges to the size of a tomato and is currently in an “endemic state”.

Although the virus shows symptoms similar to those of Covid-19 – including fever, fatigue,  body aches and rashes on skin — the report in the medical journal suggests that it could be an after-effect of chikungunya or dengue fever in children rather than a viral infection.

“The virus could also be a new variant of the viral hand, foot, and mouth disease, a common infectious disease targeting mostly children aged 1-5 years and immunocompromised adults…,” the Lancet study explained.

As of now, no antiviral drugs or vaccines are available for the treatment or prevention of tomato flu.

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Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhakar on Wednesday said that there is no need to panic against the backdrop of an outbreak of Tomato Flu in neighbouring Kerala.

“Though some symptoms are similar to Covid-19, the Tomato Flu has nothing to do with Covid-19. These symptoms are usually seen in other types of viral infections also.

“There is no need to panic as the authorities have been asked to remain alert. Moreover, the Tomato Flu is endemic to Kerala,” he said.

According to a release by the Health Department, Tomato Flu is a rare viral disease, which causes red-coloured rashes, skin irritation and dehydration. The disease gets its name from the blisters it causes, which look like tomatoes.

Tomato fever is affecting children below the age of five in Kerala, it said, adding that the main symptoms include large blisters the size of tomatoes which are red in colour, as well as high fever, body ache, joint swelling, and fatigue – much like chikungunya.

Cases of Tomato Flu have currently been reported from Aryankavu, Anchal and Neduvathur in Kerala. Following this, contiguous Karnataka districts – Mangaluru, Udupi, Kodagu, Chamrajnagara and Mysuru – have been directed to keep a vigil on daily travellers from Kerala.

According to the Health Department, tt is also advised to monitor children for any of the aforementioned signs and symptoms in OPDs of health institutions. Further directions have been given to inform the state IDSP section immediately if any cases with such symptoms are detected.

DHOs of concerned districts and other districts too are directed by the Commissioner of Health to ensure surveillance is ensured, the statement said.

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