In India, more than 80 babies are infected with the so-called “tomato flu” (“tomato fever” or “tomato flu”), the Indian media reports. This mysterious, highly contagious virus would cause round, red pimples. What do we know? What symptoms? Should we be worried in France?
[Mis à jour le 7 juin 2022 à 9h56] After monkeypox, a new virus? In May 2022, several Indian media reported cases of “tomato flu”also called “tomato fever”, a disease related to mysterious virus prevailing in India and that it would affect young children. As of May 6, 2022, this new viral illness is believed to have infected more than 82 babies in Kerala, a state in southern India, reports India Today on May 26. this virus, extremely contagious but not “mortal”would lead to round, red rashes (pimples) (hence the term “tomato”) very irritating and painful, reminiscent of foot-hand-mouth syndrome according to a hypothesis resulting from the first scientific observations. What do we know about this new virus? What symptoms practice? Should we be worried in France? Knowledge up to date.
Origin: what is tomato flu?
This viral disease would cause small red rashes, reminiscent of tomatoes.
The “tomato flu” (or “tomato fever”, or “tomato flu“) is a new disease caused by a virus, observed in south indian (region of Kerala) for several weeks, mainly in children under 5 years. For now, the tomato flu would be Kerala endemic and its exact cause would not yet be known. Researchers are still studying the organism responsible for tomato flu. Among the proposed pathways, that of the appearance ofa new form or variant of benign viral hand-foot-and-mouth diseasevery widespread in young children (even in France).
Why is it called tomato flu?
This viral disease (unexplained at the moment) would cause small red and spherical rashes, reminiscent of small tomatoes. These blisters would be extremely painful and contagious. Therefore, this disease has nothing to do with the consumption of tomatoes (the fruit).
What are the symptoms of tomato flu?
Tomato flu would cause:
- Round, red rashesreminiscent of the shape of tomatoes, very pungent and painful on the feet, hands and mouth
- high fever
- Joint pain (swollen and painful joints)
- nausea and vomiting
- high dehydration
- a great weariness
- Sometimes stomach cramps
- In some cases, the color of the legs and hands may change.
These symptoms would be similar to those of dengue and chikungunya, but also of hand-foot-mouth syndrome and monkeypoxhealth professionals report to Indian Express and India Today.
How many cases of tomato flu in India?
As of May 6, 2022, 82 infants have been infected with the tomato flu virus according to the Indian press. The health authorities would have reacted quickly to this epidemic. In this context, the districts of the border towns of Karnataka have been put on high alert and mandatory exam would have been organized in Tamil Nadu, for children under 5 years of age who would enter the state. In the state of Kerala, local authorities are said to have undertaken cleaning of bodies of water and would have asked people to be more vigilant about personal hygiene and sanitation of living spaces to control the spread of the virus. Also, the Indian Ministry of Health would communicate on this issue and regularly report on the spread of the disease.
The tomato flu virus has reportedly only been detected in Kerala, India.
Should we be worried in France?
Until now, the tomato flu virus has only been detected in Kerala, India. Therefore, there would be no need to worry in France at this time. “It looks like a Coxsackie, a benign and infantile virus that causes hand-foot-mouth syndrome” Dr. Benjamin Rossi, an infectious disease doctor at the Robert Ballanger hospital (Aulnay-sous-Bois) told TF1info. “The same virus may not even have been sequenced a few months ago. is the context, according to this doctor. againstSince it looks like monkeypox, they had to run some tests, before finding out that the children were negative..”
How is tomato flu transmitted?
The tomato flu would be transmitted by direct contact between infected children. The infected person should be placed in isolation so as not to run the risk of infecting other people. “it is not a fatal diseasebut it is contagious and can be spread from person to person, although the true ways in which the infection spreads are still being investigated.According to the words of Dr. Subhash Chandra, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, reported by India Today.
Is tomato disease contagious?
Yes. Tomato flu is a contagious disease that is spread by direct contact. This virus is said to be more common among school-age children due to poor hygiene maintenance and frequent hand-to-mouth contact. “Infectious agents can remain in a child’s body for several weeks after the infection clears, making them favorable carriers“, indicates the Narayana Health site, a large network of Indian hospitals.
There is no cure for tomato flu
What is the treatment for tomato flu?
At the moment, there would be no treatment to cure tomato flu. There is no vaccine to protect against it. treatment remains symptomatic, such as foot-hand-mouth, according to the needs of the child (antipyretics and analgesics). Tomato flu is a self-limited infectious disease, as signs and symptoms disappear after a few days. “Patients who develop tomato fever should drink a lot of water and bed rest, as recommended for other viral fevers, to keep the body hydrated and well-restedsays Dr. Chandra. Finally, utensils, clothing, and other objects used by infected people should be disinfected to prevent viral spread.
Sources: India Today / Public Health Foundation of India (PFHI) / Indian Express
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