Enterovirus Responsible for Tomato Flu Outbreak [Aug 2022]

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Union Health Minister issued a set of guidelines on August 23 2022 regarding the prevention, testing and treatment of Tomato Flu.

What is Tomato Flue? Tomato Flu in India

It is also called Tomato Fever, which is characterised by fever, joint pain and red, or tomato-like rashes. It is usually seen in children below the age of five years.

Tomato Flu has been reported in at least four states- Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Odisha. This flu is affecting severely children of the age group 1-9 years.

Due to its name, many people have the misconception that Tomato Fever happened due to Tomatoes. It is not true. Due to the shape of the blister (that appears on the body) looks like a tomato, so the name Tomato flu.

Tomato Flu Virus

According to the researchers, it is a different clinical presentation of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) caused by a group of Enteroviruses (viruses that transmit through the intestine). It is accompanied by other symptoms of viral fevers such as diarrhoea, dehydration, nausea and vomiting and fatigue.

Tomato flu symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Fever
  • Dehydration
  • Swelling of joints
  • Body aches, and
  • common influenza.

Why Tomato Fever Spreading Now?

One of the reasons cited by the doctors is the more reporting of the cases. After Covid-19 more cases are reported on a daily basis, as people have become more vigilant about viral infections.

According to doctors, tomato fever is self-limiting, and doctors do not usually test for it. There are so many viral infections in children but doctors do not test for each and every one of them as there is no need for it.

We are witnessing more viral infections because testing for viral infection has increased and the pandemic has given a further push to such surveillance. Another reason considers for the spread is the opening of the school.

Tomato Flu Treatment

At present, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for this disease. Those who got infected are treated symptomatically such as prescription of PCM for fever.

Govt. Advisory on Tomato Flue

Tomato flu majorly affects children, therefore, the centre’s advisory to states that were issued on Tuesday focuses on prevention in this age group.

  • Tomato Flu or tomato fever is a self-limiting viral disease, as the signs and symptoms resolve after a few days.
  • It is not related to SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), Monkey Pox, Dengue and/or Chikungunya.
  • A person suspected of flue should remain in isolation for five to seven days.
  • Children must be educated about the infection.
  • Children should be asked not to hug or touch other children with fever and rashes.
  • They must be encouraged to maintain hygiene, stop thumb sucking and use handkerchiefs.
  • Any respiratory, faecal, or cerebrospinal fluid samples (in cases with encephalitis or inflammation of the brain) have to be collected within 48 hours of illness.

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