What is tomato flu, the new virus spreading in India?
An outbreak of infections, with similarities to covid-19 and monkeypox, has been identified in children in southern Indian states.
The Indian government has issued a public health advisory after numerous reports of a new strain of influenza, nicknamed ‘tomato flu’, in the nation’s southern states.
Indian news agency ANI reported that the virus had been identified in more than 82 children younger than five as of 26 July. The infection takes its name from the physical affects often seen in sufferers.
A report in The Lancet explains: “Tomato flu gained its name on the basis of the eruption of red and painful blisters throughout the body that gradually enlarge to the size of a tomato.”
Scientists suspect that the ailment is a variant of the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) but have not been able to fully identify the virus. In early stages the symptoms also mirror that observed in other viral infections, such as covid-19, monkeypox, dengue and chikungunya, but it is not currently thought to be related.
What are the symptoms of tomato flu?
With a limited sample size to call upon at this stage, experts are unsure about the most common symptoms of tomato flu. Initial symptoms typically include mild fever, loss of appetite and sore throat; which is often followed by a skin rash, mouth sores and a more severe fever.
It is usually in more advanced infections that skin ailments escalate into the type of painful red blisters that give the disease its name.
A report from the federal health ministry in India adds that the following symptoms have also been observed in patients: fatigue, nausea, fever, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhoea, swelling of joints ad aches around the body. These are very common complaints among those infected with an influenza, making it difficult to judge the size of this latest outbreak.
Indian government issues tomato flu guidance
The first case of the new virus was reported in the southern state of Kerala, in the Kollam district, back on 6 May. Kerala and the neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have all now issued public health alerts in response to the outbreak.
Health officials advise that children who show symptoms should be isolated for 5-7 days to prevent infecting other children or adults. The flu is a self-limiting disease and officials expect that patients will resolve their condition in a few days.
There are currently no disease-specific medications for tomato flu but there are more general treatments to alleviate pain for sufferers. Indian health officials suggest patients consult their doctor for supportive therapy, such as paracetamol to ease the pain. Hot water sponges can also soothe rashes and skin irritation.
Aside from that, the guidance for infected people is to isolate, rest and ingest fluids to aid their recovery.