Vansluytman said her daughter first complained of belly ache and then headache, before falling into an unnatural state but, after recovering, could not recall anything.

The woman said, when the teen is affected, she would speak as if she was conversing with someone else.

Obviously disturbed, Vansluytman said the family only returned from Essequibo and East Bank Demerara on Tuesday, after attempting to put some distance between the sickness and the girl, who suffered an attack once previously.

She said the travelling was costly but the family did not have much choice but to source the necessary financing.

“It is terrible, as sometimes we have to borrow to afford transportation,” Vansluytman lamented.

Her concern was echoed in other households, including by Troy Abrahams, whose sister, 17-year-old Fiona Abrahams, who said such loans are usually repaid in installments.

“It is very rough and it takes a lot from your pocket. The last time Fiona left Moruka to see a Catholic priest for prayers, it cost $40, 000,” Abrahams revealed.

Currently, using the regular route to and from Moruka, through Charity, Supenaam and Parika, is costing an average $10,000 per person.

Other families, aware of the situation, are also anxious, primarily because of the uncertainties surrounding their children’s education.

Approximately 15 of them, who are scheduled to sit the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) tests, are among 58 who have been afflicted by the mystery illness.