Tomato fever in India: 82 cases reported in kids below 5 years; know the symptoms

Just when the country is still reeling under COVID pandemic, a new virus causing tomato flu or the tomato fever has generated serious concern among health watchers. Tomato fever cases have been reported in Kerala. A total of 82 cases have been found in kids below 5 years of age.

"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," says a study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.

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Tomato fever is believed to be a variation of the Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). It is caused by enteroviruses.

The name "tomato" fever is based on the size, shape and color of the blisters which appear on the body. These blisters look like red tomatoes hence the name tomato fever.

Some studies say that tomato fever could be an after effect of chikungunya or dengue fever in children rather than a viral infection.

Tomato fever is a self limiting disease.

The ongoing outbreak of tomato fever was first reported in the Kollam district of Kerala. From May 26, 2022 to July 26, 2022 more than 82 children less than 5 years of age have been identified having this disease.

In addition to this, 26 kids in Odisha have also been detected with this fever.

"To date, apart from Kerala, Tamilnadu, and Odisha, no other regions in India have been affected by the virus," says a report published in The Lancet.

Tomato fever is highly contagious and can spread faster among kids and even with immunocompromised adults.

The common symptoms of tomato fever seen in kids are:

High fever

Rashes

Pain in joints

Red and painful blisters which enlarge to the size of a tomato

Skin irritation

Other symptoms are:

Fatigue

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Fever

Dehydration

Swelling of joints

Body ache

As seen from the recent outbreak, children are at a higher risk of contracting this infection.

There are several reasons behind it, few of the prominent ones are touching unclean surfaces, putting things directly into the mouth, sharing toys, clothes, food and other items with an infected child.

In a nutshell, tomato fever, just like any other viral infection spreads through close contact.

In kids, once these symptoms are seen molecular and serological tests are done for the diagnosis of dengue, chikungunya, zika virus, varicella-zoster virus, and herpes once these viral infections are ruled out, contraction of tomato virus is confirmed, the Lancet study says.

"Because tomato flu is similar to chikungunya and dengue as well as hand, foot, and mouth disease, treatment is also similar—ie, isolation, rest, plenty of fluids, and hot water sponge for the relief of irritation and rashes," the report says.

"Supportive therapy of paracetamol for fever and bodyache and other symptomatic treatments are required," it adds.

Isolation for 5-7 days from the onset of the symptoms is essential in order to stop the infection from spreading from one infected individual to another healthy individual.

Since it is a highly contagious infection, experts have warned that without any preventive measures the disease can lead to a massive outbreak by spreading among adults.