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Advisory on Tomato Flu: ‘Proper hygiene best solution for prevention’
The virus shows symptoms similar to other viral infections (fever, fatigue, body ache, and rashes) but is not related to SARS-CoV 2, monkeypox, dengue or chikungunya
LUCKNOW The state health department has issued an advisory on Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), more commonly known as Tomato Flu, a self-limiting infectious disease that is identified by the symptom – tomato-shaped blisters on several body parts.
“The best thing for prevention is maintaining proper hygiene and sanitisation of the surroundings. Parents should tell their children not to hug or touch other children having fever or rash symptoms,” stated the advisory from the union health ministry that has been shared with all the chief medical officers in UP’s 75 districts by the infectious disease/vector-borne disease department.
The disease occurs mainly in children under 10 years of age, but it can occur in adults too.
Tomato Flu virus shows symptoms similar to other viral infections (fever, fatigue, bodyache, and rashes) but is not related to SARS-CoV 2, monkeypox, dengue or chikungunya, said the advisory.
“Among children, the primary symptoms are similar to other viral infections such as fever, rashes and pain in joints. Tomato Flu is a self-limiting disease and there is no specific drug to treat it. Hence, the best option is to adhere to preventive measures of proper hygiene,” said Dr Abhishek Shukla, secretary general, Association of International Doctors.
The advisory has also mentioned ways to take samples from suspected cases and how to transport the samples to the lab. “We have circulated the advisory to all medical institutes, including the KGMU, SGPGI, district level hospitals and private hospitals to follow the protocol,” said Dr Manoj Agrawal, chief medical officer, Lucknow.
Tomato Flu was first reported in India in Kollam district of Kerala on May 6 this year. So far, four states - Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Odisha have reported cases of Tomato Flu.
