A medical team from the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences visited Krishna Moksha Secondary School in Dillichaur, Jumla, after dozens of students began falling ill from last Thursday.

Students at the school were seen crying, screaming, trembling and collapsing. The symptoms were reported mainly among students in grades 6 to 10. More than 40 students at the school, which has 325 students enrolled, have been affected.

A team led by physician Dr Alok Shah and counsellor Nandaraj Acharya reached the school and conducted health check-ups. The team also provided nearly three hours of counselling sessions, according to headteacher Krishna Budha.

“Some of the students showed improvement after counselling,” Budha said. “But several are still unwell.”

As the medical team arrived early on Monday morning, they were able to closely observe the students’ behaviour and symptoms during the episodes.

Budha said some students who had appeared to recover during counselling began showing symptoms again after the team left.

“Even after bringing in traditional healers, doctors and counsellors, the students have not fully recovered,” he said. “The school is now preparing to give the affected students a week-long break.”

According to the school, the same group of students who first fell ill continued to show similar symptoms over the following three days.

Counsellor Acharya said the students may have been unable to cope with mental stress. He said affected students were counselled individually as well as in groups for nearly three hours, but the sessions did not lead to significant improvement.

Doctors have advised that two or three students showing severe symptoms should be brought to the hospital for further treatment.

The medical team also suggested that the school introduce daily yoga sessions and regular counselling support for students.

A team led by the chairperson and vice-chairperson of Patarasi Rural Municipality also visited the school to assess the situation.