Report
Doctors admitted a 14-year-old student to Kozhikode Medical College after he consumed a wild fruit resembling jamun (njaval pazham), which caused a severe allergic reaction. Abhishek, a Class 9 student of Government Higher Secondary School, Thamarassery, ate the fruit from a tree near his house in Chundakunnu, mistaking it for Jamun. Shortly after, he experienced swelling of the lips and intense itching, prompting his family to take him first to the Thamarassery Taluk Hospital. Following medical advice, doctors referred him to the Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode for further treatment.
Not an Isolated Case: Two More Students Affected
Two other students in the Thamarassery area also fell ill after consuming the same type of fruit, believed to be from a Cheru tree (Black Varnish Tree). Though it closely resembles jamun in appearance, the Cheru fruit is known to cause allergic reactions in some people—even upon mere contact with the tree. Locals say the Cheru fruit looks like a smaller version of grapes, with a similar colour to jamun. In Abhishek’s case, he reportedly ate four of these fruits before falling ill.
Doctors Warn Against Consuming Unidentified Fruits
Medical authorities have urged parents and children to avoid eating fruits from unknown trees, especially those resembling edible varieties like jamun. In sensitive individuals, Cheru tree fruit can trigger itching, swelling, and other allergic responses.
Source: 24News