Medics have warned of a new virus appearing to infect children and result in a painful rash. Named the "tomato flu", the virus is reported to have already infected 82 children, mostly under the age of five, says the Daily Record .
So far it has been contained to Kollam district of Kerala in India but following the global effects of Covid-19, health officials are keeping a close eye on the virus. Dr Subhash Chandra, assistant professor of Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Kochi told India Today : "It is not a fatal disease, but it is contagious and can spread from person to person, although the actual ways in which the infection spreads are still being studied.
"Patients who develop tomato fever should drink plenty of fluids and rest in bed, as it is also advised for other viral fevers, to keep the body hydrated and well-rested.”
The rise of tomato flu in India has prompted the country’s government to issue an advisory to all of its 28 states, the Independent has reported. Here are some key facts around the condition, which may change or be expanded upon as more research is carried out.
What is tomato flu?
According to The Lancet, a peer-reviewed medical journal, tomato flu appears to be a new virus that is likely spread through close contact, although the exact nature of the virus is still be examined.
It got its name due to the outbreak of red blisters which are reportedly painful and can grow to the size of a tomato. They are said to be similar to the monkeypox rash, says The Lancet.
It has been theorised by the journal that tomato flu could be a new variant of the viral hand, foot and mouth disease. They have also suggested that it could be an after-effect of chikungunya or dengue fever in children rather than a viral infection.
So far, it appears that the virus has no relation to Covid-19. The virus has not spread to adults at this time.
What are its symptoms?
Reported symptoms include:
- high fever
- rashes
- intense pain in joints
These symptoms are based on a small number of infected people and could change as further research is carried out.
The Lancet have said that children may also experience further symptoms including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, swelling of joints, body aches, and common influenza-like symptoms.
Is it dangerous?
Right now, tomato fever is in an endemic state and is considered non-life-threatening. However, precautionary measures are being taken by the Kerala Health Department to monitor the spread of tomato fever.
It is reported as being a self-limiting illness and no specific drug exists to treat it. The sickness is non-lethal and heals spontaneously without treatment, the Independent has added.
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