In May 2006, an outbreak of the so-called 'Morangos com Açúcar Virus' (Strawberries with Sugar virus) was reported in Portuguese schools, named after a popular teen soap opera. More than 300 students at 14 schools reported symptoms such as rashes, difficulty breathing, and dizziness, similar to those experienced by characters in a recent episode of the show. The Portuguese National Institute for Medical Emergency dismissed the illness as mass hysteria, and some schools were temporarily closed.

The 'Strawberries with Sugar' virus panic is a vivid example of how media can shape collective behavior, a theme that has been explored by poets and writers concerned with the power of popular culture. The event has inspired works that critique the influence of television on young people and the ease with which fictional narratives can trigger real-world symptoms. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the role of media in spreading mass hysteria, a topic that continues to resonate in contemporary discussions of social media and misinformation.