Health officials in Tarlac warned the public against eating the fruit or seeds of the galumbang plant after several poisoning cases sent students to hospital.

The Tarlac Provincial Health Office (PHO) said four students were hospitalized after they reportedly ate galumbang. The patients are now stable and under observation.

PHO said galumbang contains the toxin curcin. Officials warned that eating even two to three seeds can cause poisoning, especially among children.

Possible symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, severe stomach pain, dehydration, and possible liver damage. Health officials urged anyone who shows these symptoms to go to the nearest health center or hospital right away.

Authorities said they are coordinating with schools and local governments to prevent similar incidents.

Elle Anne Jurielle Felipe, a nurse from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) of Tarlac, said all the patients were minors.

“Lahat po sila lalaki, age po nila is 12 to 14 years old. Ang kuwento po ng mga bata, nag-harvest po daw sila ng galumbang noong February 5 sa vacant lot na malapit sa bahay nila. Nagkaroon po sila ng symptoms ng dizziness, vomiting, at abdominal pain after eating. ‘Yung isa outpatient po, pero discharged naman po silang lahat ngayon,” Felipe said.

The PHO again reminded parents and children to avoid eating unknown plants and seeds to prevent poisoning.