Laughter epidemic in Tanganyika (present Tanzania) in 1962

This case of mass hysteria was not the only thing in the history, but definitely only epidemic of laughter ever documented.

Epidemic of laughter has begun on January 30, 1962 when three girls schoolgirls of Christian school have begun to laugh uncontrolledly. As a result the school had to be closed for some time, and epidemic of laughter "has spread" further.

In total more than 1 000 people have got under action of this strange hysteria. Because of her it was necessary to close 14 schools, and epidemic has lasted 18 months.

Scientists assume that hysteria has been caused by strict teachers and difficult conditions of training at school, and for children the attack of laughter became way of a peculiar revolt.