New Delhi: The Union government on Tuesday directed state governments to follow precautionary measures after over 82 cases of “Tomato flu” among children were reported in the country. The Center also emphasized that there is no specific medicine to treat this viral disease. The disease appears to be a variant of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).
It occurs mainly in children under the age of 10, but adults can also be affected. An advisory issued by the Center states that children should be educated about the signs and symptoms of the disease and its side effects.
The Center said that although ‘tomato flu’ shows symptoms (like fever, fatigue, body pain, and skin rashes) like other viral infections, the virus has no relation to SARS-CoV-2, monkeypox, dengue, or chikungunya. There is no relation.
The first case of ‘tomato flu’ was reported in Kerala’s Kollam district on May 6 this year and more than 82 cases have been reported so far.
What is Tomato Flu
Tomato Flu or Tomato Fever is a viral disease reported in India since May. The first case of the ailment was recorded around the boundaries of Kollam district, Kerala. And as of now, around 90 cases are identified in the parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha.
Tomato Flu, a rare infection, has been affecting kids below five years. According to The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, Tomato Flu is contagious and self-limiting and there are no specific drugs to treat it. However, this possibly new variant of the viral hand, foot, and mouth disease are not life-threatening.
Tomato flu is unrelated to Covid-19. Affects children below 5 yrs; Symptoms include large red blisters. No need to panic, as it is endemic to parts of Kerala.
