'Tomato Flu': Everything you need to know about the virus

Recently, 'Tomato Flu' has been reported in some parts of Kerala among children under the age of five. After the reports of these cases surfaced, the neighboring state, Tamil Nadu, also increased surveillance at its borders. Total 'Tomato flu' cases in India mount to 100.

What causes 'Tomato Flu'?
This rare contagious disease, Tomato fever, is caused by Coxsackie A 16 virus. In this infection, red and painful blisters come up on the patient's body, which gradually expand into the size of a tomato, and that's why, it has been named 'tomato flu'.


Symptoms
The primary symptoms of 'Tomato Flu' in children are similar to those of chikungunya. These symptoms include rashes, intense joint pain, high fever, fatigue, vomiting, nausea, dehydration, body aches and diarrhoea. Common influenza-like symptoms are also observed in children identical to those exhibited in dengue.



Treatment
There is no specific drug to treat 'Tomato Flu', a self-limiting infection. And the treatment given to children is the same as those given in the case of dengue, chikungunya, and hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Moreover, this infectious disease which is triggered by intestinal viruses is rare to occur in adults. It's because the immune system in adults is strong enough to defend them against 'Tomato Flu' virus.

Those infected with the disease are advised to isolate and take plenty of fluid. Also, you can use a hot water sponge to relieve irritation and rashes.

As a precautionary measure, the Union Health Ministry has asked the states to conduct proper screening by the health authorities and to increase surveillance.