Europe, North America's unsolved sleeping epidemic | TheBriefWire
Europe, North America's unsolved sleeping epidemic
Published 13 June 2026 ยท us
Synopsis During the 1918 flu pandemic, a mysterious illness, encephalitis lethargica, emerged in Europe and North America, causing extreme sleepiness and immobility. Many survivors later
Synopsis During the 1918 flu pandemic, a mysterious illness, encephalitis lethargica, emerged in Europe and North America, causing extreme sleepiness and immobility. Many survivors later developed Parkinson's-like symptoms. Despite overlapping with the flu, its exact cause remains unknown, baffling scientists for over a century. This enigmatic "sleeping sickness" epidemic continues to intrigue researchers.
Published: June 13, 2026 โข 1:02 PM IST ยท Updated: June 13, 2026 โข 1:37 PM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points
Synopsis During the 1918 flu pandemic, a mysterious illness, encephalitis lethargica, emerged in Europe and North America, causing extreme sleepiness and immobility.
Many survivors later developed Parkinson's-like symptoms.
Despite overlapping with the flu, its exact cause remains unknown, baffling scientists for over a century.
This enigmatic "sleeping sickness" epidemic continues to intrigue researchers.