What is “tomato fever”, this mysterious virus which spreads among children in India?

Indian health authorities have alerted the population to the spread of a new viral disease that affects children under 5 years oldmainly in the Kollam district of Kerala.

Since May 6, a hundred cases have reportedly been identified, but the numbers are likely to increase.

Called “tomato flu” or “tomato fever”, this pathology is very contagiouswhich is why experts fear that the disease will spread to other parts of India, as India Today reports.

Characteristics of this disease

This disease is characterized by skin irritations, rashes, like very red blistershence the reference to the tomato, on the hands and feetbut also fever, dehydration, vomiting….

Some of the small vesicles or blisters may reach the mouth.

It is especially the blisters that appear all over the body that are painful. They are also reminiscent of the symptoms of monkeypox.

Cause unknown, but variant of common childhood illness considered

The cause of this disease is not yet known. She wouldn’t not deadly but very contagious.

Virologists are currently thinking of a variant of hand-foot-mouth syndrome which usually affects young children.

No treatment

Despite the discomfort and pain in the child, the disease does not seem dangerous, but there is no cure for it.

Only rest and medication to lower the fever and itching can relieve the little sick.

Raise awareness to prevent the spread

To prevent this disease from spreading throughout the country, the health authorities have decided to raise awareness among local populations of the symptoms and the actions to be taken in the event of contact.

The precautions to be taken were thus disseminated and applied, which made it possible to avoid certain contaminations. In case of infection, you should contact a doctor, do not scratch the blisters, hydrate the child and especially avoid contact between children, as India Express reports.

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