EAST PROVIDENCE — Three East Providence elementary schools are among those being investigated by the Rhode Island Department of Health over the occurrence of allergic-type reactions in school students today that are associated with the consumption of kiwi fruit.

RIDOH made public its effort late Friday afternoon, Feb. 9.

The department received reports of approximately 34 students experiencing symptoms, including itching of the lips and mouth, hives and tongue swelling in 15 schools in the northern part of the state, including Hennessey, Silver Spring and Orlo Avenue in city.

It was noted fresh kiwi fruit was consumed immediately prior to the onset of the reactions. Some of the students were treated in the school setting, and a few at the emergency department, with antihistamines (such as Diphenhydramine or Benadryl) and all improved. RIDOH said the exact cause of the reaction was unknown as of Friday.

The fruit was cut and bagged at Roch’s Fresh Foods in West Greenwich. The department statement read in part, “Roch's has been very cooperative as RIDOH works with schools to ensure that all the fresh fruit from this distributor is discarded. In addition, the distribution of kiwis from Roch’s Fresh Foods has been suspended.” Because fruit had also been distributed to Massachusetts, RIDOH is coordinating with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

The RIDOH statement concluded, “It is very unlikely that any delayed allergic reaction will occur from consuming these kiwis. All of the reported allergic reactions happened immediately after consuming the fruit. However, if any student does experience these symptoms, parents should contact their healthcare providers for advice and guidance.”

Reports have been confirmed from the following schools:

Blackstone Valley Prep 1, Cumberland

Blackstone Valley Prep 2, Cumberland

Blackstone Valley Prep 3, Cumberland

Vartan Gregorian, Providence

Southside Elementary Charter, Providence

Globe Park School, Woonsocket

Illuminar at ACH 1st, Providence

Highlander, Providence

Frank Spaziano Annex, Providence

Times 2 Academy, Providence

Nathaniel Greene, Pawtucket

Anges Hennessey, East Providence

Silver Springs, East Providence

Orlo Avenue, East Providence