As the world continues its fight against COVID-19 and the ever-expanding monkeypox virus, it seems another disease is taking hold.
The “tomato flu” was first identified in India on May 6 and has so far infected 82 children, all under the age of 5, according to a study by The Lancet Respiratory Medicine Journal.
Another 26 children up to 10 years old are suspected of having tomato flu.
Aptly named for the red blisters that appear on the skin, the new virus comes armed with fever and joint pain.
“Just as we are dealing with the likely onset of the 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 under 5 years of age,” reported The Lancet. .
“The rare viral infection is in an endemic state and is considered not life-threatening; however, due to the ordeal of the COVID-19 pandemic, vigilant management is desirable to prevent further outbreaks.”
So far, the virus has been detected in the Kollam district of Kerala, India, and the nearby areas of Anchal, Aryankavu and Neduvathur.
“Children are at higher risk of exposure to tomato flu, as viral infections are common in this age group and are likely to spread through close contact,” the Lancet report added.
Doctors say the infection, which currently has no drugs to combat it, is “highly contagious” and bears striking similarities to hand, foot and mouth disease.
Aptly named for the red blisters that appear on the skin, the new virus comes armed with fever and joint pain.fake images
“Given the similarities to hand, foot, and mouth disease, if the tomato flu outbreak in children is not controlled and prevented, transmission could have serious consequences by spreading to adults as well,” the study added.
Other reported symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and body aches.
Some cases, although very few, reported a change in the color of the extremities.
“It is not a deadly disease, but it is contagious and can spread from person to person, although the actual ways the infection spreads are still being studied,” Dr. Subhash Chandra, assistant professor of internal medicine at the Amrita Hospital. This day.
“Patients who develop tomato fever should drink plenty of fluids and stay in bed, as is also recommended for other viral fevers, to keep the body hydrated and rested.”
Those who contract the virus are placed in isolation for 5 to 7 days.
Source: nypost.com