Children in India have contracted a new virus. The symptoms of the “tomato flu” are similar to those of a Covid 19 disease. Scientists are concerned but warn against panic.
New Dehli – “Tomato flu” or “tomato fever” (English: Tomato flu) is what scientists call a new viral disease. In India, 82 children have been infected with the new virus so far. The virus is still rare, but scientists warn of further outbreaks after Corona and monkeypox. Children under the age of five are particularly affected. The researchers are still puzzling over the actual trigger of the “tomato flu”. Symptoms of the viral disease are similar to those of the coronavirus (Sars-CoV-2), but there is no relationship.
New Virus Discovered: “Tomato Flu” Outbreak in India
Researchers in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine Journal report an outbreak of the “tomato flu” in India. Accordingly, the virus was first detected on May 6, 2022 in the southern Indian state of Kerala in the port city of Kollam. In July, the number of cases rose to 82. According to local hospitals, most of the affected children are under the age of five. Another 26 children up to the age of ten are suspected of having “tomato flu”, reports merkur.de.
The tomato flu got its unusual name because of its symptoms. The viral disease spreads red and painful blisters all over the body, which slowly grow to the size of a tomato, the authors explain in the Lancet article.
Tomato flu symptoms
The symptoms of a “tomato flu” are initially fever, fatigue and headaches and are therefore similar to Covid-19. In addition, other symptoms such as skin rashes, vomiting and diarrhea as well as joint swelling and body aches can occur. Here is a list of “tomato flu” symptoms:
- Fever
- fatigue
- headache
- skin rashes
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- Joint swelling and joint pain
“The rare viral infection is endemic and not considered life-threatening,” the researchers write. Due to the experience with Corona, however, vigilant management is desirable to prevent outbreaks. The new virus, which is blamed for tomato flu, is not related to Sars, the scientists emphasize.
“Tomato flu may be an after-effect of chikungunya or dengue fever in children rather than a viral infection,” reads the Lancet article. The virus could also be a new variant of viral hand, foot and mouth disease. Hand, foot and mouth disease is also a common infectious disease in children in Germany, which is usually harmless.
Tomato flu: New virus “very contagious”
Similar to other types of influenza, the “tomato flu” is, according to the researchers, “very contagious”. There are no medicines for an infection. It is therefore imperative to isolate a confirmed case as well as a suspicion. In order to prevent the infection from spreading, the scientists consider a quarantine of five to seven days to be sensible. Appropriate hygiene measures and disinfection should be carried out for this purpose. If you become ill, rest, plenty of fluids and a hot water sponge are recommended to relieve irritation and rashes. (ml)
