Tomato flu: what is it, symptoms, and in France? – The Women’s Journal

In India, more than 80 infants are infected with so-called “tomato flu” (“tomato fever” or “tomato flu”), Indian media report. This mysterious virus, very contagious, would cause round and red pimples. What do we know? What symptoms? Should we be worried in France? Summary

[Mis à jour le 7 juin 2022 à 9h56] After monkeypox, a new virus? In May 2022, several Indian media alerted to cases of “tomato flu”, also called “tomato fever”, a disease linked to a mysterious virus which rages in India and which would affect young children. As of May 6, 2022, this new viral disease is believed to have infected more than 82 infants in Kerala, a state in southern India, reports India Today media on May 26. This virus, extremely contagious but not “deadly”, would cause round and red rashes (pimples) (hence the qualifier of “tomato”) very irritating and painful, reminiscent of the foot-hand-mouth syndrome according to a hypothesis stemming from first scientific findings. What do we know about this new virus? What symptoms do they cause? Should we be worried in France? Knowledge to date. Origin: what is tomato flu? This viral disease would cause small red rashes, reminiscent of tomatoes. The “tomato flu” (or “tomato fever”, or “tomato flu”) is a new disease caused by a virus, observed in southern India (Kerala region) for several weeks, mainly in children under 5 years old. At the moment, tomato flu is said to be endemic in Kerala and its exact cause is not yet known. Researchers are still studying the organism responsible for the tomato flu. Among the tracks put forward, that of the appearance of a new form or variant of the benign viral foot-hand-mouth disease, very widespread in young children (including in France). Why is it called the tomato flu? This viral disease (for the moment inexplicable) would cause small red and spherical rashes, reminiscent of small tomatoes. These blisters are said to be extremely painful and contagious. This disease therefore has nothing to do with the consumption of tomatoes (the fruit). What are the symptoms of tomato flu? The tomato flu would cause: Very itchy and painful round red rashes, resembling the shape of tomatoes, on the feet, hands and mouth High fever Joint pain (swollen and painful joints) Nausea and vomiting Severe dehydration Extreme fatigue Sometimes stomach cramps Diarrhea Coughing Sneezing In some cases, the color of the legs and hands may change. These symptoms would have similarities with those of dengue fever and chikungunya, but also foot-hand-mouth syndrome and monkeypox, report health professionals to Indian Express and India Today. Hand-foot-mouth symptoms suggestive of tomato flu © kisada – stock.adobe.com / Women’s Health Journal How many cases of tomato flu in India? As of May 6, 2022, 82 infants have been infected with the tomato flu virus according to Indian press. The health authorities would have reacted quickly to this epidemic. In this context, the districts of the border towns of Karnataka would have been placed on high alert and compulsory screening would have been organized in Tamil Nadu, among children under 5 years old who would enter the state. In the state of Kerala, local authorities have reportedly undertaken the cleaning of water bodies and have called on the population to be more vigilant about personal hygiene and the sanitation of living areas to control the spread of the virus. In addition, the Indian Ministry of Health would communicate on this subject and would regularly inform about the spread of the disease. The tomato flu virus has reportedly only been detected in Kerala, India. Should we be worried in France? So far, the tomato flu virus has reportedly only been detected in Kerala, India. There would therefore be no need to worry in France at the present time. “It looks like a Coxsackie, a benign, childish virus, which gives the foot-hand-mouth syndrome” reassured Dr Benjamin Rossi, infectious disease doctor at Robert Ballanger hospital (Aulnay-sous-Bois) with TF1info. “The same virus might not even have been sequenced a few months ago. This is the context, according to this doctor. Since it looks like monkeypox, they had to carry out tests, before finding that the children were negative.” How is tomato flu transmitted? The tomato flu is transmitted by direct contact between infected children. The infected person must be placed in isolation so as not to risk infecting other people. “It is not a fatal disease, but it is contagious and can spread from person to person, although the true ways in which the infection spreads are still being investigated,” the statement said. Dr Subhash Chandra, assistant professor of internal medicine, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, relayed by India Today media. Is tomato disease contagious? Yes. Tomato flu is a contagious disease that is transmitted by direct contact. This virus is said to be more common among school children due to lack of maintenance of hygiene and frequent putting of hands in mouth. “Infectious agents could remain in a child’s body for several weeks after the infection clears, making them favorable carriers,” says Narayana Health, a large network of Indian hospitals. There would be no treatment to cure tomato flu What is the treatment to cure tomato flu? For the moment, there would be no treatment to cure the tomato flu. No vaccine to protect against it. The treatment remains symptomatic, as for foot-hand-mouth, depending on the needs of the child (antipyretics and analgesics). Tomato flu is a self-limiting infectious disease, as signs and symptoms disappear after a few days. “Patients who develop tomato fever should drink plenty of water and rest in bed, as is advised for other viral fevers, to keep the body hydrated and well rested,” says Dr. Chandra. Finally, utensils, clothing and other objects used by infected people must be disinfected to prevent viral spread. Sources: India Today / Public Health Foundation of India (PFHI) / Indian Express