Tomato flu outbreak in India: Evolution, epidemiology, preventive strategies, and way ahead

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Just as the world recovers from the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are reports of monkeypox virus infections in previously unaffected regions. To add another communicable and contagious outbreak to the list, India is witnessing many Pediatric cases of Hand Foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) Aim: To explore the key Epidemiological aspects of Tomato flu, including the difference between the current outbreak and classical HFMD. Materials and Methods: Secondary data from official government sites, press information, latest articles, newspapers, and the WHO website was extracted and discussed in the article. The current Epidemiology of the Tomato flu with a difference from the typical hand foot and mouth disease is highlighted in the study. The most probable factors for the starting point of the emergence of communicable diseases like COVID-19, Monkeypox, and the current tomato flu epidemic in Kerala across the country are also highlighted. Results: Total number of thirty-two articles/government/international websites were assessed. The current study highlights the current epidemiology of Tomato flu, including difference from classical HFMD. The most probable reasons for Kerala being starting point of emerging diseases like COVID-19, Monkey pox and Tomato flu are highlighted. Preventive strategies including steps taken by government and way ahead are also discussed. Conclusion: The study highlights that Current Tomato flu presentation is quite different from classical HFMD. Surveillance, Screening, Personal hand hygiene, and isolation of cases are preventive measures that can be adopted. It is imperative to raise awareness and promote personal hygiene among children, parents, and schools with immediate effect.