Unlikely Culprit: A Teen Drama
In May 2006, schools across Portugal reported students suffering from dizziness, rashes, and difficulty breathing. Officials were baffled, wondering if it was an allergic reaction or a virus. After investigation, doctors found a surprising cause: the popular teen soap opera “Morangos com Açúcar” (Strawberries with Sugar). In the show, characters experienced a similar illness just before the outbreak.
Mass Psychogenic Illness
Doctors diagnosed the students with mass psychogenic illness, a condition where psychological stress leads to real physical symptoms. Triggered by anxiety and group influence, this phenomenon is more common than one might think and has occurred worldwide in various forms.
A History of Hysteria
Mass psychogenic illness isn’t new. From nuns barking like dogs in medieval convents to modern outbreaks in schools and factories, these events are often linked to high-stress environments. In this case, the TV show acted as a catalyst, with students unknowingly mimicking the symptoms they saw on screen.
The TV Show That Made Hundreds of Students Fall 'Ill' 🤒
Unlikely Culprit: A Teen Drama
In May 2006, schools across Portugal reported students suffering from dizziness, rashes, and difficulty breathing. Officials were baffled, wondering if it was an allergic reaction or a virus.… pic.twitter.com/yzEl0FwrrT— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) September 27, 2024