Symptoms and treatment What is Tomato flu that is spreading in India?

In some cases, development of rashes on the skin was also reported. (Representational image)

Medical experts in India are battling the spread of yet another virus in the country. According to a Lancet study revealed on Saturday, India has recorded as many as 82 cases of tomato flu or tomato fever since the virus was first reported in Kerala on May 6.

According to the study, the common infectious disease targeting mostly children aged Tomato Flu one to five years and immunocompromised adults could also be a new variant of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Some case studies have even shown hand, foot, and mouth disease in immunocompetent adults, said the study.

The tomato flu was first identified in Kerala's Kollam district on May 6, 2022. The study said the tomato flu virus shows symptoms similar to those of Covid-19 but the virus is not related to Tomato Flu SARS-CoV-2. Rather than a viral infection, tomato flu could be an after-effect of chikungunya or dengue fever in children.

The flu was named on the basis of the eruption of red and painful blisters throughout the body that gradually enlarge to the size of a Tomato Flu.

TOMATO FEVER PRECAUTIONS ?

Children exposed to the virus should drink plenty of boiling water to keep hydrated. The blisters and rashes should not be scratched. Maintain a clean and healthy environment. Take a warm shower or bath.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The primary symptoms observed in children with tomato flu are similar to those of chikungunya, which include Tomato Flu high fever, rashes, and intense pain in joints. Some of its symptoms like body aches, fever and fatigue are similar to those experienced by Covid-19 patients. 

Other symptoms include joint swelling, nausea, diarrhoea, dehydration, joint aches and high fever. In some cases, patients also reported the development of rashes on their skin.

The study added that further symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, dehydration, swelling of Tomato Flu joints, body aches, and common influenza-like symptoms, which are similar to those manifested in dengue.

HOW DO YOU TREAT TOMATO FLUE? 

Tomato flu treatment: This flu is self-limiting, and there is no treatment. This means that the symptoms will resolve with time if supportive care is provided.

TOMATO SPOTTED WILT DISEASE ?

Damage symptoms. Symptoms vary among hosts and in a single host species. Stunting is a common symptom Tomato Flu of TSWV infection. Chlorotic or necrotic rings form on the leaves of many infected hosts

DIAGNOSIS

Patients showing the symptoms listed should go through molecular and serological tests for the diagnosis of dengue, chikungunya, zika virus, varicella-zoster virus, Tomato Flu and herpes. Once these viral infections are ruled out, contraction of the tomato virus is confirmed.

TREATMENT

The treatment for tomato flu is similar to the treatment of chikungunya, dengue and hand, foot, and mouth disease. Patients are advised to isolate, rest, plenty of fluids, and hot water sponge for the relief of irritation and rashes.

"Supportive therapy of paracetamol for fever and bodyache and other symptomatic treatments are required", said the study.