On the Indian territory, more than 80 infants would be infected by influenza called “tomato flu” (“tomato fever” or “tomato flu”), report Indian media. This mysterious virus, very contagious, would cause round and red skin rashes. What do we know? What are the symptoms? Should we worry about France?

For a few weeks, several Indian media have been warning about cases of “tomato flu”, also called “tomato fever”, a disease linked to a mysterious virus that is rampant in India and that would affect young children.

By mid-May 2022, this new viral disease would have infected more than 82 infants in Kerala, a state in southern India, reported the media India Today on May 26. This virus, which is extremely contagious but not “deadly”, is said to cause round and red skin rashes (hence the name “tomato”) that are very irritating and painful, reminiscent of the hand-foot-and-mouth syndrome, according to a hypothesis based on initial scientific findings. What do we know about this new virus? What symptoms does it cause? Should we be concerned in France? Knowledge to date.

Why these different names to name, the “tomato flu” (or “tomato fever”, or “tomato flu”) is a new disease due to a virus, observed in South India (Kerala region) for several weeks, mostly in children under 5 years.

This viral disease would cause small red skin eruptions, looking like small tomatoes. These blisters would be extremely painful and contagious. For the moment, the tomato flu would be endemic in Kerala and its exact cause would not be known yet. Among the tracks put forward, is that of the appearance of a new form or variant of the benign viral disease hand-foot-mouth, very widespread in young children (including in France).

What are the symptoms of tomato flu?


Round, red skin rashes, reminiscent of the shape of tomatoes, which are very irritating and painful on the feet, hands and mouth
High fever
Joint pain
Nausea
Dehydration
Great fatigue
Sometimes stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Coughing
Sneezing
In some cases, the colour of the legs and hands may change.