THE Ministry of Health has been investigating the recent spate of illnesses in various schools countrywide.
According to Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, the nature of the sudden illnesses in schools has not yet been determined, but they are believed to be pertaining to the mind. Persaud said it’s very difficult sometimes to put a finger on the cause of these cases, and the ministry is collaborating with physiologists and psychiatrists.
“It’s not a purely medical issue that we could treat with medication; some of these issues have to be addressed with therapy,” he said
Dr. Persaud noted that the occurrences are neither new nor unique to Guyana.
As recently as two weeks ago, students have been falling ill mysteriously in schools, exhibiting delirious behaviours.
Reports say that students from city schools, including the St. Winefride’s Secondary, recently broke out in convulsions during classes and behaved as if ‘demon possessed’.
Those who witnessed the strange behaviour said that students began to behave in an erratic manner, as if they were being attacked by ‘spiritual beings.’ Teachers were amazed at the phenomenon, and students fled the classrooms.
Parents are asking that a thorough investigation be launched into the matter. They claim that their children are quite healthy and they leave home for school quite composed and normal.
Some parents are of the strong belief that the problem is demonic and have had their children prayed for by ministers of religion.