'Isolate For 5-7 Days, Stay Hydrated': Centre Issues Advisory To Prevent Tomato Flu Spread

Centre on Tomato Flu: While there is no specific medication to treat tomato flu, the Centre advised isolation, rest, drinking plenty of fluids and hot water sponge for relief of irritation and rashes.

The first case of tomato flu was reported in Kollam district of Kerala on May 6

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The Centre on Tuesday issued an advisory to prevent the spread of tomato flu, which has infected more than 82 children in the country, PTI reported. While there is no specific medication to treat tomato flu, a variant of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), the Centre advised isolation, rest, drinking plenty of fluids and hot water sponge for relief of irritation and rashes.

Tomato flu occurs mainly in children under 10 years of age, but it can occur in adults too. The Centre said children must be educated about the signs and symptoms and side-effects of the illness.

The first case of tomato flu was reported in Kollam district of Kerala on May 6 this year. The disease has so far been reported in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Odisha, PTI reported.

What Is Tomato Flu?

Tomato flu or tomato fever is a viral disease that derives its name from the tomato-shaped blisters that occur on body parts of those infected. It is a self-limiting disease, as the signs and symptoms resolve after a few days.

"Although the tomato flu virus shows symptoms similar to other viral infections (fever, fatigue, body aches and rashes on the skin), the virus is not at all related to SARS-CoV-2, monkeypox, dengue and/or chikungunya," the Centre said.

"In fact, recent reports have suggested it to be Coxsackie A 17 that belongs to the group of enteroviruses," the advisory further said.

Tomato Flu Symptoms

Primary symptoms observed in children infected with tomato flu are similar to those of other viral infections -- fever, rashes and pain in joints. The symptoms also include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, dehydration, swelling of joints, body aches, and common influenza-like symptoms.

It begins with mild fever, poor appetite, malaise, and often a sore throat. After one or two days, small red spots appear on the body. It then takes the form of blisters and then to ulcers. The sores are usually located on tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks, palms and soles.

"It seems, the disease is a clinical variant of the so-called hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) that is common in school going children. Infants and young children are also prone to this infection through use of nappies, touching unclean surfaces as well as putting things directly into the mouth," the advisory further said.

Tomato Flu Treatment/Prevention

The Centre said no antiviral drugs or vaccines are available for the treatment or prevention of tomato flu.

"Treatment is similar to other viral infections -- isolation, rest, plenty of fluids and hot water sponge for relief of irritation and rashes. Supportive therapy of paracetamol for fever and body ache and other symptomatic treatments are required," the advisory said.

Isolation should be followed for five to seven days from onset of any symptom to prevent the spread of infection to other children or adults.

The advisory also stressed on maintenance of proper hygiene and sanitisation of the surrounding necessities as well as preventing the infected child from sharing toys, clothes, food, with other non-infected children.

The advisory said one should avoid immediate contact with the infected person. "Tell your child not to hug or touch children having fever or rash symptoms. You should encourage your children to stop thumb or finger sucking habits. Encourage the child to use a handkerchief in case of running nose or coughing," it read.

The advisory also stated that one should not scratch or rub the blister and use warm water for bathing.

"Always use warm water to clean skin or for bathing the child. Take a nutrition-rich, balanced diet to boost immunity. It is essential to get enough rest and sleep to promote healing," the advisory said.