Coxsackievirus causes Tomato flu; Virology Institute

Coxsackievirus causes Tomato flu in infants and young children founded by the research advanced Virology Institute in Thiruvananthapuram. The genetic analysis of the samples collected from the Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts was conducted at the Advance Virology Institute.

Tomato fever has been diagnosed among children and in elders at rare instances in most of the districts in the state. It spreads via contact and fluids from the nose and throat. Though a comparatively less dangerous disease, tomato fever may cause oedema (swelling caused by fluid trapped in lungs) in certain severe cases.

Symptoms

Minor fever
Pustules formed inside the mouth, tongue and gums
Throat pain and difficulty swallowing food
Red rashes and pustules on legs and hands
The pustules will dry within a week