Tomato Flu: Lancet Study Warns Of New Viral Infection In India, Children Under 5 At Risk

Children are at increased risk of exposure to the infection, and it is likely that the flu is spread through close contact.

Tomato flu virus shows symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, though the virus is not related to SARS-CoV-2.

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New Delhi: Doctors have raised an alarm over a new viral disease -Tomato flu - spreading in India. The new type of hand, foot and mouth disease was first reported in Kerala's Kollam district on May 6, 2022, and has infected more than 82 children younger than 5 years of age, a report by the Lancet Respiratory Journal said. 

The infection got its name due to the eruption of red and painful blisters throughout the body that gradually enlarge to the size of a tomato.

"Just as we are dealing with the probable emergence of fourth wave of Covid-19, a new virus known as tomato flu, or tomato fever, has emerged in India in the state of Kerala in children younger than 5 years," said Lancet in its report.

Children are at increased risk of exposure to the infection which is likely to spread through close contact.

It is caused by intestinal viruses and does not affect adults much as they usually have strong immune system.

Other areas in Kerala affected by the diseases are Anchal, Aryankavu, and Neduvathur, reported the journal. Cases have also been reported from Tamil Nadu and Odisha.

Some key points about Tomato Flu from the study include: 

• Tomato flu virus shows symptoms similar to those of COVID-19 (both are associated with fever, fatigue, and body aches initially
• Some patients with COVID-19 also report rashes on the skin)
• The virus is not related to SARS-CoV-2.
• Tomato flu could be an after-effect of chikungunya or dengue fever in children rather than a viral infection
• It is considered to be highly contagious so isolation is necessary to prevent it from spreading further. 

The study says that even though the infection is at an endemic stage right now, careful monitoring is required to avert risks.

‘The rare viral infection is in an endemic state and is considered non-life-threatening; however, because of the dreadful experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, vigilant management is desirable to prevent further outbreaks,’ said the journal in its report.