First it was Genital Retraction Syndrome, a hysterical condition that causes its victims to become convinced that their genitals are disappearing into their bodies. That’s pretty bizarre, but according to this Reuters story, the “Strawberries with Sugar Virus” that’s sweeping Portuguese schools as children complain of symptoms similar to those suffered by characters in a television soap opera may be the capper.

More than 300 children have complained of symptoms including rashes, breathing difficulties and dizziness at 14 schools in different parts of the country. Some schools have been forced to close.

The outbreak came a few days after the popular “Strawberries with Sugar” teenage television show aired an episode about a life-threatening virus descending on a school.

Medical officials believe many children, after watching the show, feared their own minor rashes and wheezes were something serious. Others noted the outbreak came at the same time as end-of-year exams. [Emphasis mine.]

Ah-ha! Suddenly light dawns.

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