Given the rapid spread of monkeypox and the Covid pandemic that has swept the world, concern about infectious diseases is growing, even though they have always been with us. On August 17, the renowned English magazine 'The Lancet' published that this summer a new virus known as tomato flu or tomato fever had emerged in India, in children under 5 years of age.
The prestigious publication acknowledges that this rare viral infection does not endanger the life of the sulfur, in addition to being in an endemic state. But are we really facing a new virus?
“There is still no identified virus, since the diagnosis is by discarding. Diagnosed by ruling out that it is not other viruses such as dengue, Covid or chikungunya fever”, explained Alfredo Corell, immunologist and professor at the University of Valladolid.
The disease was first identified in the Kollam district of Kerala on May 6, 2022. As of the 26th of last month, local government hospitals have reported 82 cases in children who are under 5 years of age. “We know that it meets the requirements of those known as hand-and-mouth viruses, which usually occur in infants through contact with contaminated surfaces. It is not worrying, but in adults and especially in immunocompromised patients, this type of infection can be serious,” says Corell.
From the publication it is hinted that the virus could also be a new variant of these viral diseases of the hands, feet and mouth or a side effect of chikungunya or dengue fever in children rather than a viral infection itself. “As with Covid or with many diseases, tests can give negative results once the acute phase of the disease has passed but some residual symptoms may remain. This will explain why the true pathogen that is causing these symptoms is not detectable in the molecular and serological tests that are being carried out on those affected.”
At the moment the authorities affirm that there is no risk to the lives of those affected, but the well-known English publication warns: "Due to the terrible experience of the Covid-19 pandemic, vigilant management is desirable to avoid new outbreaks."
“We are a long way from it being a problem. If there are residual symptoms of dengue or chikungunya fever, there is no risk of infection, there is a mosquito vector that does not exist in Europe," said Corell, "Which puts the focus on another problem: "The climatic climate could be to blame for it reaching as far as us, and that can alter the species and cause them to move from their habitats of origin”.
The tomato complaint owes its number to the rash of red blisters it presented. His pains are present throughout his body and gradually increase until they reach the size of a tomato. According to 'The Lancet', these blisters resemble those seen with monkeypox virus in young individuals. Other symptoms that he presented were his tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dehydration, swelling of the joints, body aches. Symptoms similar to those of the flu and dengue.
The treatment it requires is rest, fluid intake and, if possible, the use of a hot water sponge to relieve irritation and rashes. Requires supportive therapy with acetaminophen to treat fever and body aches.
Continue to isolate for 5 to 7 days from the onset of symptoms to avoid spreading the infection to other children or adults. It is recommended to maintain proper hygiene and disinfection, as well as to prevent the infected child from sharing toys, clothing, food or other items with other unaffected children.
At this time, there are no vaccines or antiviral drugs available for the treatment or prevention of this pain.
