Tomato flu: the new infection that has appeared in India

• Infectious Crimea-Congo, West Nile or dengue, the other emerging viruses that threaten us

Just when we are not still facing successive waves of Covid-19 and outbreaks of other diseases - hepatitis of unknown origin in children, monkey pox, outbreaks of polio and nipha, among others - a

has emerged in

in the state of Kerala, mainly affecting

, according to The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, where it is indicated that it is a self-limited disease, there is no specific drug to treat it.

This rare viral infection is in an

and is considered

.

But the serious history with Covid-19 makes it necessary to maintain

to avoid new outbreaks, point out the study's authors,

and

, from the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy of Gujarat, in India. .

Although the 'tomato flu' virus shows

(both are initially associated with fever, fatigue and body aches, and some covid-19 patients also report skin rashes), the virus does not It is related to SARS-CoV-2.

The 'tomato flu' "could be a

in children rather than a viral infection. The virus could also be a new variant of viral

a disease common infectious disease that primarily affects children aged 1 to 5 years and immunocompromised adults. Some case studies have even shown hand-foot-and-mouth disease in immunocompetent adults."

Tomato flu was first identified in the

, and as of July 26, 2022, local government hospitals have reported

,

.

At the moment it is known that this 'tomato flu' is eliminated by the body of minors.

It can also be

, a disease that has been recorded in several countries on all continents.

Although it is not fatal, it can also cause complications and many discomforts in those who suffer from it.

Similar manifestations

The

of 'tomato infection' seen in affected children are

, including high fever, skin rashes and severe joint pain.

Tomato flu got its name from the rash of

all over the body that gradually increase to the

.

These blisters resemble those seen with monkeypox virus in young individuals.

also appear

with tomato flu causing skin irritation.

As with other viral infections, other symptoms include

and symptoms similar to

and even

.

In children with these symptoms,

are performed to diagnose dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, varicella-zoster virus, and herpes;

once these viral infections have been ruled out, contraction of the tomato virus is confirmed.

Because 'tomato flu' is similar to chikungunya and dengue, as well as hand, foot and mouth disease,

is also similar, i.e. isolation, rest, plenty of fluids and a sponge of water hot to relieve irritation and rashes.

therapy for fever and

body aches and other symptomatic treatment is required.

Children

, as viral infections are common in this age group and are likely to spread through

.

Young children are also prone to this infection by wearing diapers, touching dirty surfaces, and putting things directly in their mouths.

"Given the similarities to hand, foot, and mouth disease, if the 'tomato flu' outbreak in children is not

, transmission could have serious consequences by

," the researchers warn.

Like other types of influenza, the 'tomato flu' is highly contagious.

Therefore, careful

and other precautionary measures are mandatory to prevent the outbreak from Kerala to other parts of India.

"

from the onset of symptoms to prevent the spread of infection to other children or adults. The best solution for

is the maintenance of adequate hygiene and disinfection of the necessities and the surrounding environment, as well as preventing the

toys, clothing, food, or other items with other uninfected children.

Finally, the authors of this report reflect and point out that the reuse of

are the most effective and cost-effective approaches to guarantee

against viral infections, especially in children, the elderly, immunosuppressed people and those with underlying health problems.

"To date, there are no vaccines or antiviral drugs available for the treatment or prevention of 'tomato flu.'

is needed to better understand the need for potential treatments."

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