tomato flu
Doctors report new virus in children in India
Infected people complain of red blisters on the skin, joint pain and fever (symbol image)
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A new virus has come under the spotlight of scientists from India. The so-called tomato flu leads to symptoms similar to those of corona disease. In addition, red and painful blisters form on the body of infected people, which gives the virus its name.
This article first appeared on RTL.de.
First Corona, then monkeypox, now scientists are warning of a new virus: tomato flu (also tomato fever) was first detected in May in the Indian state of Kerala. According to the “Lancet Respiratory Medicine Journal”, those affected show symptoms similar to those of corona disease. These include fever, fatigue and headaches, but vomiting, diarrhea and skin rashes are also possible. The virus is so unusually named because infected people develop red and painful blisters all over their bodies that gradually grow to the size of a tomato, according to the Journal.
Tomato flu: Only children under the age of five are infected
Despite the similarity to the corona virus, the scientists assume that the new virus is not related to COVID-19, but could be an after-effect of chikungunya or dengue fever. The virus could also be a new variant of viral hand, foot, and mouth disease, a common infectious disease that mainly affects children aged 1 to 5 and immunocompromised adults. Because so far only children under five years of the tomato flu are affected. A total of at least 82 cases of children are known so far.
Similar to other types of flu, tomato flu is highly contagious. Although the rare virus infection is considered endemic and not life-threatening, the virus and its spread must be monitored and further outbreaks prevented. Therefore, according to the Lancet Respiratory Medicine Journal, it is imperative to carefully isolate confirmed or suspected cases and take other precautions to prevent tomato flu virus outbreaks. Isolation should be for five to seven days from the onset of symptoms to prevent spreading the infection to other children or adults. According to the scientists, the following also applies here: Compliance with hygiene measures and disinfecting the hands is the best protection against the disease.