A MYSTERY paralysing illness has struck down almost 100 schoolgirls in Kenya.
Students from Kakamega in Western Kenya complained of knee pain and difficulty walking before being hospitalised, while some appeared to suffer convulsions.
Government officials said 95 students from a Eregi Girls High School were affected by the yet unidentified illness.
The BBC reported that blood, urine and stool samples from the affected students were sent to laboratories in Kisumu, a neighbouring city, and the capital, Nairobi.
Conclusive results to determine the cause of the illness are expected on Wednesday October 5.
But some health experts have dismissed as ‘mass hysteria’, according to the BBC.
Others have likened symptoms to those caused by Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition but serious condition caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking and damaging the nerves.
Sufferers often experience the syndrome after an infection like the flu or a stomach bug, according to the NHS, and can experience numbness, weakness and pain in the arms and legs.
They might also experience problems with coordination and difficulty moving, walking, breathing and swallowing if the condition becomes more severe.
NHS guidance says the illness can be treated and and most people will eventually make a full recovery.
However, one in five people suffering the rare illness might be left with more long term problems.
Local media reported that five tests were carried by health officials out to identify the cause of the illness, but no pathogens were identified.
The country’s health cabinet secretary Susan Nakhumicha addressed members of the National Assembly Public Investment Committee on Education and Governance and said more tests would be carried out to determine the cause of the illness.
“We have been in contact with the director of public health and as of yesterday [Tuesday], there were 95 girls hospitalised. By the end of today [Wednesday], we anticipate having a comprehensive report.
She added: “So far, five tests have been conducted and no pathogens have been identified. However, additional samples have been sent to Kenya Medical Research Institute in Nairobi for further analysis.”
Worried parents have withdrawn their daughters from the school, but the ministry of education yesterday confirmed it remains open.
Dr Steven Wandei, director of medical services in Kakamega County warned parents that bringing their daughters home could risk spreading the disease.
Local outlet Nation reported him as saying: “We have not established the nature of the disease that has affected thee students.
“Taking them home could be risky because, if the disease is infectious, it is likely to wipe out the entire family.”
The BBC reported that two other schools in Western Kenya had experienced diarrhoeal disease outbreaks earlier this year, with 600 students affected.
