Tomato flu: New infection affecting young children spreads in India

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It is referred to as “tomato flu” because it causes painful red blisters and is highly contagious.

A new form of viral infection, referred to as ‘tomato flu’, which was first detected in the southern Indian state of Kerala in May, is spreading to two more Indian provinces.

Tomato flu is mainly found in children. According to an article in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 82 children under the age of five had been diagnosed with the virus in Kerala as of July 26.

In two neighboring provinces, cases have been reported in children as young as nine years old, although the virus usually affects children under the age of five.

Scientists are trying to determine the nature of the virus.

It is referred to as “tomato flu” because it causes painful red blisters and is highly contagious.

Children are especially vulnerable because it spreads easily through close contact, such as through diapers, touching unclean surfaces, or putting things in the mouth.

“The rare viral infection is endemic and is considered non-life-threatening. However, due to the terrible experience of the Covid-19 pandemic, careful management is desirable to prevent further outbreaks,” the Lancet article said.

Doctors say diagnosing tomato flu is difficult because its symptoms are very similar to those of the coronavirus and dengue fever.

Dengue fever is common in India during the monsoon season and is spread by mosquitoes.

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