The Tomato Flu Outbreak in India

Suddenly, as we think things may be settling down after COVID-19, another viral disease, "Tomato Flu", has been spotted in Kerala.

Well over 80 cases of tomato flu have reportedly been detected nationwide thus far, consistent with reports. Because the infectious sickness has primarily affected children between the ages of 1 and 9, it's raised concerns for the authorities.

Tomato flu may be a viral disease which results in blisters/rashes on several parts of the body, skin irritation, and dehydration in children, mostly below five years old. Generally, the form of blisters is red and when they get quite large, resemble tomatoes and thus it is called tomato fever or tomato flu. However, whether the causative agent of tomato fever is said to dengue or chikungunya (a viral fever) remains uncertain.

Children are those who are the most susceptible to this disease and they are also the main carriers of it while spreading it to others. Since viral infections are widespread in children this age and propagation is most probable through close contact, children are more likely to be exposed to tomato flu. Young children can catch this virus by touching dirty surfaces, using diapers and putting objects directly in their mouths.

The main signs and symptoms of tomato flu in children are high fever, rashes, and excruciating joint pain, a bit like chikungunya. Additional signs and symptoms are almost like those of other viral diseases like dengue, like fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, swelling of the joints, and body aches. Patients showing symptoms are made to require molecular and serological tests for diagnosis of Zika virus, chikungunya, and dengue.

The diagnosis of tomato flu involves the utilization of molecular and serological tests for the detection of other viral infections with similar clinical presentations such as dengue, chikungunya, zika virus, and herpes. If the patient tests negative for such infections, the contraction of the tomato flu virus is confirmed.

Tomato flu has been observed to be a self-limiting illness that sometimes goes away on its own. Although vaccination and viral treatment are proven to be highly efficient for the treatment of viral infections, particularly in children, immunocompromised individuals, and other people with underlying medical conditions, there's currently no specific vaccine or antiviral therapeutics available for the treatment and prevention of tomato flu infections. 

Still, as tomato flu is taken into account to be similar to other viral infections such as chikungunya, dengue fever, and hand, foot, and mouth disease, isolating, staying hydrated, and employing a hot water sponge for the relief of skin irritation and rashes can help manage the symptoms of people infected with the tomato flu virus. 

On the opposite hand, paracetamol might be useful to relieve other symptoms such as fever, body pains, and myalgia. Further research, surveillance, and sequence data are required for the determination of simpler treatment options. Further follow-up and monitoring for serious outcomes and sequelae is required to better understand the need for potential treatment.