A “new” virus known as tomato flu reported in India is a variant of the already endemic hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), doctors have confirmed.
A letter published in Lancet Respiratory Medicine on 17 August reported the emergence of the “new” virus in the Indian state of Kerala in children younger than 5. It said that as of 26 July more than 82 children aged under 5 had been reported to have the infection by local government hospitals.
One of the predominant symptoms of the disease is the presence of tomato-like red welts all over the body, particularly the hands, feet, and oral cavity. These are accompanied by symptoms very similar to those of covid-19, such as fever, fatigue, and body aches.
The report said that tomato flu could be a variant of viral HFMD or an infection that developed in the aftermath …
Similar to other types of influenza, tomato flu is very contagious and it is mandatory to follow careful isolation of confirmed or suspected cases and other precautionary steps to prevent the outbreak of the tomato flu virus from Kerala to other parts of India, the report said.
According to the report, Isolation should be followed for 5–7 days from symptom onset to prevent the spread of infection to other children or adults. The best solution for prevention is the maintenance of proper hygiene and sanitisation of the surrounding necessities and environment as well as preventing the infected child from sharing toys, clothes, food, or other items with other non-infected children.
Drug repurposing and vaccination are the most efficacious and cost-effective approaches to ensure the safety of public health from viral infections, especially in children, older people, immunocompromised people, and those with underlying health issues, the report suggested.
As yet, no antiviral drugs or vaccines are available for the treatment or prevention of tomato flu. The report said that further follow-up and monitoring for serious outcomes and sequelae is needed to better understand the need for potential treatments.
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