Quiet Alaska Town Motionless

Jun 25, 6:57 PM EDT

Town Stricken by Mass Paralysis

By JAMES REED
Associated Press Writer



GLENNALLEN, Alaska (AP) -- Copper Center, nearly a ghost town already, has since Saturday seen even less movement. The entire population has been stricken with varying degrees of unexplained paralysis.

Polio and Botulism have been ruled out but mass hysteria has not, skeptical doctors say. If it is a hoax, it is a widespread one, as not a single resident of the tiny town (population: 362) appears unaffected. The severity varies from mild facial paralysis to complete paralysis of all muscles including those regulating the heart and breathing. At least 4 people are reported dead of unexplained causes.

Extremely isolated, 310 miles from civilization in the form of Anchorage, Copper City is now even more isolated as it is quarantined from unauthorized and civilian visitors. Concerned family members who have gathered here in nearby Glennallen await news which is little and far between. Many are demanding government explanation, convinced the phenomenon must be related to the town's meager coal and petroleum industry. No connection has yet been determined.

Individuals with less severe paralysis appear to be improving, according to doctors. Treatment teams are focused on those literally stuck, unable to breathe on their own and no clear cure on the horizon.

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