In May, a tomato flu outbreak was recorded in India. Since then, there have been fears of possible spread of the disease to other regions of the world.

According to the Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal, tomato flu, also known as tomato fever, was first identified in Kerala, a province in India, on May 6.

Since its discovery, the disease has infected 82 children in about three states in India. Presently, there are concerns, especially among health experts, that, this child-specific epidemic could spread to other countries.

What is tomato flu?

The same journal describes the disease as a hand, foot and mouth disease caused by a virus in children who are five years or younger. The virus causing the disease is new and much of the facts about it remains unknown.

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“Tomato flu gained its name on the basis of the eruption of red and painful blisters throughout the body that gradually enlarge to the size of a tomato. These blisters resemble those seen with the monkeypox virus in young individuals,” the journal explains.

“Rashes also appear on the skin with tomato flu that lead to skin irritation. As with other viral infections, further symptoms include, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, dehydration, swelling of joints, body aches, and common influenza-like symptoms, which are similar to those manifested in dengue.

“Similar to other types of influenza, tomato flu is very contagious.”

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It has also been suggested that the virus could be a new variant of the hand, foot and mouth disease. This is a common infectious disease targeting children who are mostly five year olds or younger.

Some researchers however think the disease could be an after-effect of chikungunya or dengue fever in children, playing down the widely held belief that it is a viral infection.

The Lancet journal also believes that tomato flu is a self-limiting illness. Presently, no specific drug has been identified as its cure or antidote.

Local authorities have advised parents and guardians living in or visiting India to keep their children from sharing toys, clothes, food and other items.