He noted that this is the second time that the sickness has disrupted the routine functioning of his school, which, in addition to conducting end of term tests is also preparing candidates for the upcoming Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams.

Initially affecting students of the Santa Rosa Secondary three years ago, the mysterious ailment has been evident one month now.

However, as no medical diagnosis has been proffered, people have resorted to prayers to cure what is evidenced at first, primarily in girls, as belly aches and headaches before seemingly losing consciousness.

Four girls, the most recent victims, were taken to New Amsterdam, Berbice, last weekend to pray with Roman Catholic priest, Father Terrence Montrose.

Before that, last Friday, the quartet saw Sister Julie Matthews of Mercy Convent, who is also a trained social worker, during her visit to the North West.

She said she helped the girls to deal with their fears through counselling.

According to the nun, she made the trip at the request of the Roman Catholic Bishop Francis Alleyne, who saw it fit to extend a hand of assistance to Father Oscar Barraza, the village priest.

Bishop Allen told the Guyana Chronicle that the church is concerned and the priests, dealing in the realm of the unknown, are relying on prayers.

Barraza agreed all they can do is pray for the frightened people and offer them moral support.

The Abrahams family, whose 17-year-old youngest, fifth former Fiona is afflicted, said they feel helpless as they seem unable to ease the suffering.

Adding to the dilemma is the uncertainty surrounding the continuation of the girl’s education at Santa Rosa Secondary.

Her brother, Troy Abrahams said she is doing well after having seen Father Montrose but is not sure she would return to the school.

The girl’s sibling said, after experiencing her fourth attack last Friday, she was left in a state of blackout for almost an hour, after which she appeared stable and ate something before resting and making the trip to New Amsterdam.

The general belief in the community that some evil spirit is to blame was discounted by Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, who said hysteria might be the cause.

He said samples were taken from victims but results of the tests were inconclusive.

“There are no long term effects and the illness seems to be a transient one and not prolonged,” the CMO had said.