On June 28, 2017, a heartbreaking event unfolded at a school in London, UK. A 13-year-old boy named Karanbir Cheema tragically lost his life when a piece of cheese was thrown at him by a classmate. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that severe allergies can pose.
Karanbir suffered from severe allergies to various substances, including dairy, wheat, gluten, egg, milk, and tree nuts. While he did not consume the cheese, it made contact with his skin, hitting his neck and triggering a severe allergic reaction. The consequences were devastating. Karanbir was immediately rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital in critical condition. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he passed away a few days later, succumbing to the post-cardiac arrest syndrome.
In the wake of this tragic incident, Karanbir’s parents had to make an unimaginable decision. They chose to turn off their son’s life-support machine, putting an end to his suffering. In an interview on This Morning, Karanbir’s mother, Rina, shared their heart-wrenching farewell. She recounted the bittersweet moment, saying, “He smiled when the machine was turned off… we said our last goodbyes before he was taken down, and he had a smile on his face.”
One glaring aspect that came to light during the investigation was the expired EpiPen found in Karanbir’s possession. An EpiPen is a life-saving device that delivers adrenaline to counteract severe allergic reactions. However, in Karanbir’s case, the EpiPen had expired nearly a year earlier. The administration of this outdated medication was the only treatment available to him before he experienced cardiac arrest.
It is important to note that the classmate who threw the cheese claimed to be playing around and unaware of Karanbir’s dairy allergy. While severe allergic reactions from skin contact are rare, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise.
Dr. Adam Fox, a pediatric allergy consultant, testified at the inquest into Karanbir’s death and emphasized that such a severe reaction from mere skin contact was unprecedented. Despite extensive research, no similar fatal cases were found. This incident highlights the need for heightened awareness and education surrounding severe allergies, and emphasizes the importance of proper management and prevention strategies.
The loss of Karanbir Cheema serves as a heartbreaking reminder that allergies can have life-threatening consequences, and we must all strive to create a safe environment where everyone’s health and well-being is valued and protected.
