He said all the 550 students have been affected directly and indirectly and alternative venues are being used to teach since the disruption of the routine functions.

Among the places now being occupied by the North West District school population are the Roman Catholic Parish Hall and the Amerindian Hostel in the community.

De La Cruz revealed that 58 students have been rendered ill by the sickness including 15 fifth formers who will be sitting the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) tests.

However, he lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Education which, last weekend, sent two psychologists, school welfare officers and officials from the Mabaruma Regional Education Department to Santa Rosa.

“The psychologists explained that the illness was not psychological but has psychological effects,” De La Cruz reported.

He said they all departed Sunday after talking with the patients and offering moral support.

But, as no medical diagnosis has been proffered, the people in the community have resorted to prayers for relief.

Roman Catholic Priest, Father Oscar Barazza said Father Terrence Montrose arrived from New Amsterdam, Berbice, Tuesday to follow up a visit four of the sick girls paid him the weekend before.

One of the quartet, 17-year-old Fiona Abrahams is stable and doing well since visiting the priest, her brother, Troy Abrahams confirmed, but said she will not be resuming school just yet.