Delhi and Beyond

Tomato Flu poses ‘serious’ threat to young children if not controlled: Lancet study

Published by
Patriot Bureau

Amid a world that is already under the grip of a number of diseases, a recent study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal has warned against young children being at increased risk of exposure to tomato flu.

Tomato flu, or tomato fever, if not controlled and prevented, the transmission might lead to serious consequences by spreading in adults as well, the study warned.

It was first identified in Kollam district of Kerala on May 6, according to the Lancet report.

The infection has been reported in 82 children younger than five years by local government hospitals as of July 26.

Apart from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha have reported cases of tomato flu.

“Children are at increased risk of exposure to tomato flu as viral infections are common in this age group and spread is likely to be through close contact. Young children are also prone to this infection through use of nappies, touching unclean surfaces, as well as putting things directly into the mouth,” read the report published on August 17.

“…if the outbreak of tomato flu in children is not controlled and prevented, transmission might lead to serious consequences by spreading in adults as well,” it added.

The rare viral infection, which got its name on the basis of the eruption of red and painful blisters throughout the body that gradually enlarges to the size of a tomato, is currently in an “endemic state”.

Though considered non-life-threatening, a vigilant management is desirable to prevent further outbreaks, especially because of the dreadful experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the study.

Although the virus shows symptoms similar to those of COVID-19 — including fever, fatigue, body aches and rashes on skin — the report in the medical journal suggests that it could be an after-effect of chikungunya or dengue fever in children rather than a viral infection.

“The virus could also be a new variant of the viral hand, foot, and mouth disease, a common infectious disease targeting mostly children aged 1 5 years and immunocompromised adults…,” it explained.

As of now, no antiviral drugs or vaccines are available for the treatment or prevention of tomato flu.

(With PTI inputs)

Instagram: instagram.com/thepatriot_in/
Twitter: twitter.com/Patriot_Delhi
Facebook: facebook.com/Thepatriotnewsindia

Patriot Bureau

Published by
Patriot Bureau

Recent Posts

Delhi to host all India K-pop contest 2024 grand finale tomorrow

The finalists will compete in two categories—dance and vocals—vying for the title and an opportunity…

November 22, 2024

Delhi: Winter of misery for the homeless in the national capital

With the abrupt fall in temperatures, the destitute are left exposed to the chill without…

November 22, 2024

Maitri Bus Service bridges Delhi-Kathmandu, carrying 17,603 passengers in one year

Among the passengers, 4,782 were Indian citizens, 12,471 were Nepalese nationals and 350 came from…

November 22, 2024

Delhi air pollution: SC to consider on Nov 25 if GRAP-4 curbs can be relaxed

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed displeasure over the…

November 22, 2024

Delhi’s rooftop cafés struggle as air pollution clouds winter charm

With smog choking the capital, iconic open-air spots face dwindling footfall and rising customer concerns

November 22, 2024

Exhibition: The Art of Quilting

The exhibition highlights quilting’s transformation from functional bed coverings to a contemporary art form

November 22, 2024