Minimata Disease (3)

A five-year old girl who had suddenly lapsed in to a convulsive delirium was brought into the local clinic. Within a few weeks there seemed to be an epidemic of nervous problems including numbness, tingling sensations, headaches, blurred vision, slurred speech, and loss of muscle control. For an unlucky few, these milder symptoms were followed by violent trembling paralysis and even death. An abnormally high rate of birth defects also occurred. Children were born with tragic deformities; paralysis and permanent mental retardation.