'Psychology' clue to Chechen ill
A mystery mass illness in Russia's conflict-torn republic of Chechnya could have been caused by psychological factors, officials have said.
More than 70 people - most of them girls - have now suffered breathing problems, headaches, irrational fear and panic attacks.
Earlier this week, officials said they suspected nerve gas poisoning.
But Chechen Prosecutor Valery Kuznetsov now says it could be a response to years of trauma suffered by residents.
"There is no toxic poisoning. The air and water are clean," he said.
"Causes linked to psychogenic factors are coming to the fore.
"It is women and girls who are more vulnerable to emotional effects," he added.
Chechen chief toxicologist Musa Dalsayev also said he believed the illness was caused by psychogenic factors.
Blood samples have been sent to a laboratory to help determine the exact causes of the illness.
Separatist fighters have waged a bitter war against Russian federal forces for a decade, with attacks taking place both inside the republic and elsewhere in Russia.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/w ... 552408.stm
Published: 2005/12/22 13:08:22 GMT
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