Schoolgirls in western Kenya reportedly cannot walk due to an unknown illness that has left several hospitalized.
Approximately 95 students at St. Theresa’s Eregi Girls High School, northwest of Nairobi, are in the hospital after suffering a form of leg paralysis, officials said, according to Anadolu Agency. Video posted to social media shows groups of schoolgirls dressed in white and blue uniforms shouting, struggling to walk and carrying their peers.
“A possible case of mass hysteria has broken out at an all-girls school in western Kenya, with girls reporting that they are unable to walk,” the caption said.
A possible case of mass hysteria has broken out at an all-girls school in western Kenya, with girls reporting that they are unable to walk. pic.twitter.com/YeJSSdijyG
— Catch Up (@CatchUpFeed) October 4, 2023
It is reportedly unknown what exact illness has plagued the Kenyan schoolgirls. Blood samples have been taken from those affected and transported to the Kenyan Medical Research Institute (KMRI) laboratories to determine the nature, origin and appropriate treatment of the illness, according to the outlet. (RELATED: US Intelligence Concludes Mysterious ‘Havana Syndrome’ Not Caused By Foreign Adversary)
The county urged parents and guardians of affected students to monitor the health of their children while health officials identify the cause of the disease and establish containment measures, per the Anadolu Agency.
After a meeting between school administrators and Education Ministry officials, they decided the school should close indefinitely, the outlet reported. Once the situation is addressed and necessary precautions are taken, affected students will be allowed to attend school again, a statement from the school said, according to Anadolu Agency.