Tomato fever is a contagious disease that mainly affects children under the age of five. It gets its name from the appearance of tomato-sized red bumps on the body. The main causes are:
Viral infection: Tomato fever is a viral disease. Studies suggest that it is a variant of ‘Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease’ (HFMD). Coxsackieviruses are the main cause.
Unhygienic conditions: The disease can be transmitted by interacting with infected children and handling items (toys, clothes) used by them. Improper hand washing and unclean conditions contribute to the spread of the disease.
Immune system: Children are more susceptible to viruses because their immune systems are weaker than adults. The virus can enter the body through not washing hands after defecation.
Direct contact: The disease is spread through direct contact with the sneezes, coughs, or fluid from blisters on the skin of infected children.
Contaminated water: Drinking unsterilized water and playing in virus-infected conditions make children more susceptible to the disease.
