18 Patharghata students affected in 3 days

At least 18 students in Patharghat upazila of Borguna district fell victim of mass hysteria in three days. Among them, 16 are from Haritana Model High School of Sadar union and two are from Taslima Memorial Academy of Patharghat town.

Utpal Kumar Mitra, headmaster of Haritana Model High School, said three students of his institution became unconscious after suffering convulsions in their hand and feet at around 10:30am while a class was going on.

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They are Rabeya of Class VI and Nilufa and Lamia of Class VII. They were rushed to Patharghata Upazila Health Complex.

Sixteen students of his school became ill in the same way since Tuesday, he added.

They are Karima Akhter of Class VI, Rumana Akhter, Jannatul Ferdousy, Sanzida Akhter of Class VII, Nahida Akhter, Maimuna Akhter, Munni Akhter of Class VIII, Afroja Akhter of Class IX and Kanij Fatema of Class X. They were admitted to Patharghata Upazila Health Complex, and later released.

The headmaster added that five students on Tuesday, eight on Wednesday and three on Thursday became ill in his school. Classes have been suspended till Tuesday after consultation with the school committee.

Meanwhile, two students from Taslima Memorial Academy of Patharghat town also became ill and were admitted to Patharghata Upazila Health Complex last Tuesday.

The two -- Sushmita of Class VIII and Kamrul of Class VI, the only boy, -- are still under treatment said Mostafijur Rahaman Sajal, duty doctor of Patharghata Upazila Health Complex.

They are, however, out of danger now.

Ramesh Chandra, Upazila Health and Family Planning Office of Patharghata, said it was a case of mass hysteria and could be caused by any type of mental pressure.