Mass Illness Strikes Girl Students at Balasore School During Morning Prayer

Balasore: A routine morning prayer turned alarming at Nigamananda Smruti Bidyapitha in Odisha’s Bahanaga block on Wednesday, after over 20 girl students suddenly collapsed, triggering panic among staff and classmates.

The incident occurred without warning as several students began to faint one after another during the school assembly. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the girls reported symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, and breathlessness before losing consciousness.

School authorities responded swiftly, rushing the affected students to the Gopalpur Community Health Centre (CHC) for emergency care. Given the seriousness of some cases, multiple students were later shifted to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) for further treatment.

Medical teams at both facilities provided immediate attention, and teachers remained at the students’ side to support them through the ordeal. “We ensured that the girls were stabilized as quickly as possible. Some are still under observation,” said a hospital staff member.

The exact cause of the sudden illness is yet to be determined. Health officials have launched an investigation to examine potential causes, including environmental factors, stress, or a possible case of mass psychogenic illness.

Worried parents and local residents gathered at the school and hospital for updates, as officials assured that necessary medical care and monitoring are ongoing.