• MADHAVI GUMPALI
• K. SUGUNA ESTHER RANI
• M. Anjali
• M. Pujitha
• Y. Swetha

The emergence of Tomato Flu, initially in Kerala, India, presents a rare viral infection primarily affecting children under five. isolation, serology, or molecular studies. Though non-life-threatening, its symptoms mirror those of COVID-19, complicating diagnosis. The disease, erroneously named for its tomato-like blisters, is linked to Chikungunya-carrying mosquitoes. Coxsackievirus A16, a major cause of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, plays a pivotal role. The virus's genome, comprising non-coding, structural, and non-structural regions, orchestrates replication through intricate processes. Human scavenger receptor class B, membrane 2, acts as a cellular receptor. The replication cycle involves translation, proteolytic processing, and replication of viral RNA, ultimately leading to infectious particles. Epidemiologically, Tomato Flu's transmission, prevalent in Asian Pacific countries, is facilitated by faecal-oral route, direct contact, and respiratory droplets. In 2022, it surfaced in Kerala, spreading across India's northeast. Clinical features include fever, rashes, joint pain, and distinctive tomato-like blisters. Diagnosis relies on clinical observations, viral isolation, serology or molecular studies. While treatment is symptomatic, no specific anti-viral exist. Prevention emphasizes hygiene, vaccination, and hospital infection control. A growing understanding of Tomato Flu requires ongoing monitoring and research for effective management and prevention.

Coxsackievirus A16, Covid 19, Chikungunya, Hand Foot Mouth Disease [HFMD], Tomato flu, Tomato fever, Misonomer, Picornaviridae, Viral infection.

"A PITHY MEMORANDUM ON TOMATO FLU", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 3, page no.h537-h550, March-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2403771.pdf

"A PITHY MEMORANDUM ON TOMATO FLU", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 3, page no. pph537-h550, March-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2403771.pdf