As India reopened after two dreadful years of Covid-19, the nation noticed a re-emergence of infectious ailments and a brand new variant of the hand-foot-and-mouth illness, also called tomato flu, created fairly a scare throughout many states.



Tomato flu is a uncommon viral an infection that may very well be a brand new variant of the viral hand-foot-and-mouth illness, a standard infectious illness concentrating on largely youngsters aged one to 5 years.

Initially, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha reported tomato flu instances. Tomato flu was first recognized within the Kollam district of Kerala, on May 6, 2022.

The Kerala Health Department took precautionary measures to watch the unfold of the viral an infection and forestall its unfold in different elements of India.

In September, Assam reported over 100 instances of tomato flu, sounding an alarm for the state well being division. The most variety of instances had been reported from two colleges in Dibrugarh district.

The Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu governments had additionally issued advisories on tomato flu.

Though the tomato flu illness just isn’t seen as life-threatening, healthcare consultants warned that any additional unfold of the illness might hit colleges once more after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Health officers additionally mentioned that the possibilities of adults contracting the illness are feeble.

Bhawuk Dhir, dermatologist at Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, mentioned that it is a clear signal of heading in direction of an period of viral ailments.

“Clearly, we are heading towards an era of viral diseases with the rampage of Covid-19, Monkeypox and now hand-foot-and-mouth disease — as was predicted by various researchers in the past,” Dhir had informed IANS.

“Tomato flu is caused by Coxsackie virus A16 (a non-polio enterovirus), which is highly contagious and spreads through secretions from the nose, throat, fluid from the blisters and fecal-oral route,” Dhir added.

In most instances, it’s a gentle self-limiting viral illness and requires supportive look after restoration. Just a few might develop problems similar to meningitis and disseminated an infection.

The Union Health Ministry additionally issued tips on Tomato flu, underlining that its therapy is much like different viral infections like isolation, relaxation, loads of fluids and sizzling water sponge for reduction from irritation and rashes. Supportive remedy of paracetamol for fever and physique ache and different symptomatic therapies are required.

“Tomato flu is a self-limiting infectious disease as the signs and symptoms resolve after a few days,” the ministry tips mentioned.

No antiviral medicine or vaccines can be found for the therapy or prevention of Tomato Flu.

“The term tomato fever was used because of the red-coloured blisters which resemble a tomato. A similar outbreak was reported in Kerala in 2007,” in line with Dhir.

Although not many new instances are being reported now, one of the best ways to stop this illness is sustaining correct hygiene and sanitisation of the encompassing setting in addition to stopping the contaminated little one from sharing toys, garments, meals, or different gadgets with different non-infected youngsters.