Ackee poisoning also known as "Jamaican Vomiting Sickness" is an acute illness caused by the toxin hypoglycin A, which is present in the unripened fruit of the ackee tree. The sickness usually begins with discomfort in the abdomin beginning some two to six hours after eating unripe ackee fruit, followed by sudden onset vomiting. In very dire situations,profound dehydration, seizures, coma, and death may ensue. Children and/or those who are malnourished are more susceptible to the disease. Traditionally, care in ackee fruit poisoning has been focused on relieving symptoms and providing supportive care with restoration of fluid, electrolyte, glucose, and pH balance.
