In this episode of Hysterical, we explore the June Bug Epidemic of 1962, where a seemingly innocuous event turned into a widespread phenomenon of mass psychogenic illness at a textile factory in Strongsville. It all began when a worker reported a mysterious bug bite that no one could find, leading to similar reports across the factory floor. As more workers experienced the same symptoms—unexplained bites, nausea, dizziness, and rashes—the panic spread, even though no insects could be found. This episode dives into how the epidemic escalated, fueled by stress, social connections, and the power of suggestion, ultimately revealing how deeply the mind can influence the body in collective experiences of fear and anxiety.
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