Lychee Fruit Drop: Understanding the Causes and Prevention

Lychee fruit is a sweet and aromatic tropical fruit that is widely known for its delicious taste. However, in recent years, lychee fruit has been associated with a mysterious illness that caused the death of many children in India. This illness was later identified as Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), which has been linked to lychee consumption, particularly among malnourished children. The disease is now known as Lychee Fruit Drop or LFD.

What is Lychee Fruit Drop?

Lychee Fruit Drop is a neurological disorder that affects young children who consume lychee fruit on an empty stomach. The condition is characterized by hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and encephalopathy (brain dysfunction), resulting in seizures, coma, and even death in severe cases. The disease was first reported in 1995 in Muzaffarpur, a district in Bihar state, India, where it affected hundreds of children every year during the lychee harvest season (May-June).

Causes of Lychee Fruit Drop

The exact cause of Lychee Fruit Drop is still not fully understood, but several factors have been implicated in the development of the disease:

• Toxins: Lychee fruit contains a toxin called hypoglycin A, which inhibits the body's ability to produce glucose, leading to low blood sugar levels. Ingestion of this toxin on an empty stomach can cause hypoglycemic encephalopathy, which is thought to be the primary cause of LFD.
• Malnutrition: Malnourished children are more susceptible to LFD because they have lower glycogen stores in their liver, which makes it harder for them to maintain normal blood sugar levels when fasting.
• Poor hygiene: Poor sanitation and hygiene practices in lychee orchards can also contribute to the spread of LFD because the fruit can be contaminated with fecal matter and other pathogens that can cause illness.
• Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as high temperature and humidity during the lychee harvest season may exacerbate the effects of hypoglycin A and increase the risk of LFD.

Symptoms of Lychee Fruit Drop

The symptoms of Lychee Fruit Drop usually begin with fever, headache, and vomiting, followed by seizures, altered mental status, and loss of consciousness. The disease can progress rapidly, leading to coma and death within a few days. Children who survive the acute phase may develop long-term neurological deficits such as epilepsy, intellectual disability, and behavioral problems.

Prevention and Treatment of Lychee Fruit Drop

Preventing Lychee Fruit Drop requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving nutrition, promoting good hygiene practices, and reducing exposure to toxins. Here are some measures that can be taken to prevent LFD:

• Avoid eating unripe or under-ripe lychees: Unripe lychees contain higher levels of hypoglycin A than ripe ones, so it's best to avoid them altogether.
• Eat lychees in moderation: Eating too many lychees at once can overload the body with hypoglycin A and cause hypoglycemia. It's recommended to eat no more than 10-12 lychees per day.
• Ensure adequate nutrition: Providing balanced meals to children can help improve their nutrient intake and reduce their risk of developing hypoglycemia.
• Practice good hygiene: Washing hands before and after handling lychees, and ensuring proper disposal of waste can help reduce the risk of contamination.
• Seek prompt medical attention: If your child develops symptoms of LFD, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment with glucose and supportive care can improve the chances of recovery.

A close-up of lychee fruit

Lychee Fruit Drop is a serious health condition that affects young children in certain regions of the world. Although the exact cause of the disease is still not fully understood, it's clear that avoiding unripe lychees, eating lychees in moderation, and practicing good hygiene can help reduce the risk of LFD. Parents and caregivers should also be aware of the early symptoms of the disease and seek medical attention promptly if their child develops any of them. By working together, we can help prevent Lychee Fruit Drop and protect the health of our children.

Hypoglycemic encephalopathy, malnutrition, lychee toxicity, encephalopathy, neurological disorders