Some 61 students of the Santa Rosa Secondary School in Region One (Barima/ Waini) are prepared to sit the CXC examinations scheduled to commence today at the school, according to head teacher Mr. Glynn De La Cruz.

He noted that 15 of the girls are not taking the exams as they have been affected by the mystery illness plaguing the school.

The mysterious phenomenon initially showed itself in the Santa Rosa Mission community of Moruka and caused distress to students of the Santa Rosa Secondary three years ago.

However, it resurfaced over the past two months and to date has affected approximately 67 girls between the ages of 13 and 18.

In a recent statement from the Chief Medical Officer Mr. Shamdeo Persaud, he acknowledged that the incident was not psychological and pledged his support to the community.

He had said that tests showed no genetic or other links and no long-term physical health consequences of the mystery ailment.

“The Health Department continues to be in the forefront of trying to resolve this problem and the children are consistently being checked”, he reported.

To this end the head teacher of the school stated that he was grateful for any and all the support available as the community needs it.

“We need somebody to support us be it religious bodies or government agencies,” De La Cruz said.

The last major attack of the mystery illness was last Wednesday, when during an assembly, 13 girls took ill at the same time causing classes to be cancelled for the rest of the day.

Both parents and head teacher are proud of the girls who are taking the exams.