CURRENTLY engaged in plans for the new school term, the residents of Moruka are less anxious about a resurgence of the mystery illness that plagued the community; but according to Mr. Glynn De La Cruz, the matter is still “something to think about.”

De la Cruz, headteacher of the Santa Rosa Secondary School, explained that the school is preparing for the new school term but, even with the occurrences of the mystery illness reduced, he noted that there are still concerns.

The ailment resurfaced in October 2008 after first striking three years ago, and returned last February.

Since then, 73 girls between the ages of 13 and 18 have suffered from it while attending the Santa Rosa Secondary School.

The girls would first complain of a headache and a belly ache and then would fall into an unexplained stupor that would see them, eyes closed and arms flailing about wildly.

The girls would also relate strange dreams when they eventually became coherent.

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.

A report from a U.S. psychologist had proffered that the illness was mass hysteria or mass contagion which is an ailment that generally afflicts females.

However, the actual origin and cause of the illness still remain a debatable issue.