The monkeypox disease recently got the highest alert level of becoming a global health concern. In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, monkeypox virus, and other flu and illnesses spreading, India reports a mysterious viral flu called Tomato Fever that has been causing distress since May.
Tomato fever causes an unexplained fever in children in some parts of India.
Tomato Fever Spreading Among Children in India, Raising Concerns of Possible Outbreak
Tomato Fever in India Amid Monkeybox Outbreak
Kerala health officials reported the rising cases of Tomato fever in the state amid a potential monkeypox disease outbreak. India has been on alert since the COVID-19 pandemic that killed hundreds of thousands of people in the country.
Indian news outlet DNA reported that Kerala's Kollam district recorded over 80 cases of children getting infected by the mystery viral flu since May this year, raising concerns about a possible new disease outbreak.
Local health officials suspect that the reopening of schools could have caused the rise of Tomato fever since most patients are children below the age of five. The viral flu is named Tomato fever because infected children developed red, tomato-like blisters and rashes all over their bodies.
Due to the Tomato fever, Kerala's neighboring states have been strengthening their preventive measures to ensure that the viral flu will not spread in their area.
Although scientists confirmed that the disease is caused by a virus, they have yet to confirm the exact family it belongs to. According to them, the disease does not pose any serious life-threatening risks to infected children despite it being highly contagious.
Causes of Tomato Fever
Dr. Jagdish Kathwate, a consultant neonatologist, and pediatrician at the Motherhood Hospital in Kharadi, Pune, explained to HealthShots that Tomato fever is an infectious viral disease that occurs because of viruses that typically infect children under five years old.
Since it is an infectious disease, like COVID-19 and monkeypox, anyone infected by it is advised to be kept in isolation for a certain period to avoid further transmission.
Although more kids are now affected in India, Dr. Kathwate said that adults too are prone to the illness. The disease poses less of a threat but may cause serious brain fever so it is important to cure it immediately.
Symptoms and Treatment of Tomato Fever
According to iCliniq, symptoms of Tomato fever may appear within three to six days after infection.
Symptoms may include the following:
- Blisters in mouth, lips, buttocks, elbow, etc.
- Dry mouth with difficulty in swallowing
- Skin irritation or itchiness
- High fever
- Fatigue and severe body pain
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Joint swelling, cough, runny nose, and sneezing in children
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sometimes, worms may be present in blisters
For treatment, iCliniq said there is no particular treatment for Tomato fever since symptoms may get better after seven to 10 days. But doctors may recommend the following:
- Aspirin or paracetamol for fever
- Avoiding spicy food to prevent mouth soreness
- Increase fluid intake to stay hydrated
- Avoid scratching blisters
- Bathe in warm water to relieve irritation
- Take a rest as long as symptoms last
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