50 school kids fall sick

At least 50 students of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU)-run Shrijoni Biddhyanikaton yesterday fell sick due to hot weather.

They are Class V and VIII students suffering from respiratory problem, said MA Kuddus, acting principal of the institution. Of them, eight were admitted to Patuakhali Lutharan Health Care Centre and five to the university's health centre. 

The school authorities suspended classes.

The students were affected by mass hysteria, a kind of mass psychogenic illness, said Dr ATM Nasir Uddin, chief medical officer of PSTU health center.