MYSTERY of the "Sleeping Sickness"

Between 1917 and 1928, a terrifying condition affected around half a million people, resembling a plotline from a horror movie. Known as encephalitis lethargica (EL) or "the sleeping sickness," it left its victims in a state of inexplicable paralysis while remaining conscious. This illness appeared in Europe and quickly spread around the world, reaching epidemic proportions in North America, Europe, and India by 1919. Nearly a third of those affected died, while the remaining half were left unable to interact with their surroundings physically, yet still fully aware. They were often referred to as "living statues" due to their stillness that lasted from hours to years, despite occasional limited speech, eye motion, or laughter.

Although the cause is unknown, scientists speculate that a rare strain of streptococcus bacteria, responsible for many sore throats each year, might have triggered brain inflammation that mutated and triggered the immune system to attack the brain, leaving the victim helpless. However, the sudden disappearance and sporadic resurgence of the illness remain a mystery. For instance, in the 1950s, EL resurfaced in Europe and later affected a 12-year-old girl in China a decade ago.

While a 2004 study of 20 patients with symptoms similar to EL concluded that the disease is still prevalent, scientists are unsure if these sporadic occurrences indicate a new normal or a sign that something more significant could happen any day. As a result, the sleeping sickness of history remains a nightmare, and these mysteries are unlikely ever to be solved.