Post by Joanna on Feb 4, 2014 23:16:27 GMT -5
The Strange Sleep Epidemic
ASTANA, Kazakhstan – A "Sleep Epidemic" is how perplexed doctors are describing the disease that is spreading among villagers.
Local TV station KTK reported nothing is known about the cause of the strange disorder and those affected have not had close contact with each other.
The symptoms include weakness, malaise, fainting and partial memory loss, and in the worst cases, even hallucinations. All victims began to feel an irresistible desire to sleep.
Health authorities, taken by surprise, have rushed to identify the victims. Experts are focusing on the idea of a virus and virological tests were performed at the Regional Center in Kokshetau.
Hope Yakimova, who resides in the village, said: “People are falling asleep suddenly. Sometimes some of them fall asleep at the same time whether they are standing or sitting.”
One of the first was a 9th-grade student who suffered hallucinations and fell asleep. The cases are multiplying in the infirmary where adults and children sleep in the midst of delusions.
The first case occurred in Kalachi between March and April 2013, according to Tengrinews. Ten people, aged 14 to 70 were hospitalized. Since, the outbreaks have occurred regularly.
In December 2013, 12 people were affected by delirious sleep. In early 2014, seven casualties were reported. Many people believe the disease is a consequence of heat – elevation of the ambient temperature.
Others associate abnormal sleep (and other disorders) to abandoned uranium mines in the vicinity of the village. These mines were abandoned 30 years ago.
Thus, despite the investigations, the case remains a mystery for almost a year. Nothing objective or consistent has been determined. The head of the Department of Health of Yesil District Hospital – Kabdrashit Almagambetov – for instance, commented:
“... radiation levels were measured across town, house by house. No abnormalities were detected. Samples of air, water and soil were also examined. The blood of the victims was analyzed for traces of heavy metals and other toxic substances. Nothing was found.”
On the internet, the Health Ministry still insists the disease has the classic signs of narcolepsy: sudden numbness, loss of muscle tone and hypnagogic hallucinations (in a state of drowsiness – pre-sleep and a quick return to a waking state).
Source: Lygia Cabus, Weird News, January 28, 2014.