21 students faint after experiencing shortness of breath at school in Dawei

A total of 21 students experienced shortness of breath and fainted at No. 1 Basic Education High School in Dawei, Tanintharyi Region, on June 26, according to local sources.

A volunteer who responded to the incident said the students became unwell after singing the school rules song before lunchtime at around 11 am. Many of the students had reportedly skipped breakfast, and the combination of hunger and exhaustion caused their blood pressure to drop, resulting in breathing difficulties and fainting.

"We had to sing the school rules song before lunch at around 11 am. Many of the students had not eaten breakfast before coming to school. By lunchtime, they were exhausted, their blood pressure dropped, they experienced shortness of breath and fainted. They did not suddenly collapse or lose consciousness," the volunteer said.

The affected students included one male and 20 female students from Grades 6 to 12. All 21 students were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

"The children are not in serious condition," the volunteer said.

Five of the students have since been discharged and returned home, while the remaining 16 are being kept at the hospital for overnight observation.