At Moruka…
LATEST reports from Moruka, in North West District, indicate that the mystery illness plaguing the community has abated, for the time being and schoolchildren are preparing for the coming break from classes.

First experienced there three years ago, the ailment resurfaced in late October 2008 but receded. However, it returned in February and has been affecting, more specifically, the girl students of Santa Rosa Secondary School.

Up to now, at least 67 of them, between the ages of 13 and 18 years, have been afflicted by the medically undiagnosed complaint.

Analyses done by health personnel were unsuccessful in ascertaining the cause of the affliction which showed no obvious genetic or other links nor resulted in long term physical consequences.

But its origin remains a source of controversy as opinions differ and the preferred source of relief is prayers, which seemed to have helped.

The Dormitory Father, Mr. Dennis Thorres confirmed that, since last Thursday, there have been no more attacks there or in the wider community.

He said, as the end of the school year nears, 13 girls have left for the comfort of their homes and, because of the distance they had to travel and the difficulties surrounding transportation, they were allowed to leave early.

Another 30 chose to remain for the vacation and they will participate in the many activities being hosted in the final school week.

The Headteacher, Mr. Glynn De La Cruz said the programme includes a prize-giving ceremony on Friday and a school leavers function for students who have completed writing the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) tests and will be moving on.

“We have had an eventful year, so, right now, we are happy that there are no recurrences,” he said, referring to the sickness.

Many other residents also expressed some joy at the apparent lull in attacks.