Iran’s holy city of Qom has been hit by a series of mysterious illnesses that have affected hundreds of schoolgirls, causing public outrage and accusations of government negligence. Although the authorities have launched an investigation, they have been unable to identify the cause of the sickness, prompting concerns about the safety of students and raising questions about Iran’s supreme leadership. Here’s what we know so far:
The Incidents
The first incident was reported in November 2022 when 18 schoolgirls in Qom were hospitalized after exhibiting symptoms such as nausea, headaches, coughing, breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, and numbness and pain in their hands or legs. Since then, hundreds of students, mostly girls, have fallen ill with similar symptoms in a number of public schools in the city.
Despite conducting toxicology tests, the authorities have not been able to identify the cause of the illnesses. Medical experts have ruled out bacterial or viral infections in blood samples taken from the affected students, but some have reported a strange smell in their classrooms, leading to concerns that poisonous gas may be the culprit.
Public Anger and Accusations
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The mysterious wave of illnesses has led to public anger and accusations of government negligence, with some parents refusing to let their children attend school. Iranians have criticized the authorities for not doing enough to find the cause of the illnesses and prevent new cases. Some have accused religious extremists of being behind the incidents in a bid to prevent girls from attending school.
Iran’s chief prosecutor, Mohammad Javad Montazeri, has suggested that the incidents could be deliberate, and has called for a transparent investigation. However, some lawmakers have dismissed the concerns, suggesting that fear and hysteria could have played a role.
The Authorities’ Response
The authorities have launched an investigation into the mysterious wave of illnesses, but have not found any evidence of poison. No deaths have been reported. Some schools in Qom have been “unofficially” closed, and some teachers have been ordered to teach “even if only one student” was present in class. Students have been told not to share notes with classmates in an apparent bid to push more pupils to attend school in person.
Last week, angry parents protested outside the governor’s office and called for a transparent investigation. They also demanded that classes be held online, amid reports that the authorities were pressuring students to attend school.
What’s Next?
The mysterious wave of illnesses in Qom has raised concerns about the safety of students and the government’s response to the crisis. As investigations continue, Iranians are calling for greater transparency and accountability from their leaders. It remains to be seen whether the authorities will be able to identify the cause of the illnesses and prevent new cases, or whether the incidents will continue to fuel public anger and distrust.
