Hysterical
Episode 1: Outbreak
Release Date: July 22, 2024
Host: Dan Taberski
Produced by: Wondery | Pineapple Street Studios

Introduction

In the gripping premiere episode of Hysterical, host Dan Taberski delves into a perplexing series of mysterious symptoms plaguing teenage girls at Leroy Junior Senior High School in upstate New York. Positioned as potentially the most severe case of mass hysteria since the Salem Witch Trials, the episode sets the stage for an investigative journey that questions the very nature of this phenomenon.

The Initial Case: Jessica's Plea

The story begins in December 2011 with Jessica, a 16-year-old high school junior, posting her first YouTube video seeking help for unexplained symptoms. “What is causing their sudden, often violent symptoms? Is there something in the water or inside the school? Or is it ‘all in their head?’” Dan Taberski narrates, highlighting the era before social media platforms like TikTok existed (00:00).

Notable Quote:

“She’s not looking to monetize. Not trying to influence what this 16-year-old is looking for is a little help.” — Dan Taberski (01:26)

Jessica details her symptoms starting with fainting spells and escalating to severe motor and vocal tics. Her struggles go unnoticed initially, casting doubt on the legitimacy of her condition.

Jessica’s Account:

“A few days ago my twitching has progressed into noises like through my nose or in my throat. And it's something that won't go away.” (02:39)

Emergence of Multiple Cases

Shortly after Jessica's plea, at least a dozen other teenage girls at Leroy Junior Senior High School begin exhibiting similar symptoms. These symptoms include stuttering, violent twitching, and uncontrollable vocal outbursts, creating a pattern that suggests a contagious phenomenon rather than isolated incidents.

Emily’s Experience:

“I felt a little funny. I was like, I feel kind of off. You know? You have those off days.” (25:20)

Emily, another student, recounts her sudden onset of symptoms during an ordinary school day, emphasizing the abrupt and severe nature of the illness.

Community Reaction and Skepticism

The sudden appearance of these symptoms stirs skepticism and fear within the community. Many accuse the affected students of faking their conditions for attention, reminiscent of historical mass hysteria events.

Community Doubt:

“A lot of them say that we're faking and that you're faking because you want attention.” — Jessica (05:30)

Lynn Belluccio, the town historian, recalls the initial disbelief:

“I remember thinking, like, were they making it up? Like, what is going on?” (23:21)

Dr. Jennifer McVig's Investigation

At the forefront of uncovering the truth is Dr. Jennifer McVig, a young neurologist at the Dent Neurologic Institute in Buffalo. Faced with the challenge of connecting seemingly unrelated cases while adhering to HIPAA regulations, Dr. McVig begins to piece together the puzzle.

Dr. McVig's Insights:

“It must be something they caught. Easy to assume, harder to prove.” (11:03)

Through meticulous investigation, Dr. McVig identifies a common thread: all affected students reside in the same zip code (14482) and attend Leroy Junior Senior High School. This discovery marks the onset of a broader investigation into the root cause of the outbreak.

Personal Accounts: Emily and Jessica

The episode provides intimate glimpses into the lives of Jessica and Emily, illustrating the personal toll of the epidemic.

Jessica's Struggles:

“And about a month after, I pass out again at the homecoming dance. That's awesome, right?” (01:26)
“My twitching has progressed into noises like through my nose.” (27:34)

Emily's Transformation:

“The first time I heard about it was from that girl. She was like, oh, one of these older girls from one of the older grades has apparently got the same thing that I do.” (22:52)
“I’m in trouble for something. They start talking to me about it.” (26:14)

Initially skeptical of others faking symptoms, Emily comes to realize the authenticity of the condition as she herself becomes afflicted.

Theories and Connections

Dan Taberski explores potential causes behind the outbreak, ranging from environmental factors to psychological stressors. The narrative hints at deeper connections, suggesting that what’s happening in Leroy might be part of a larger, possibly global issue.

Exploring Mass Hysteria:

“The idea that this is somehow psychogenic mass hysteria, that just doesn't apply to me.” — Jessica (30:46)

Dr. McVig emphasizes the unique nature of the cases, noting the dramatic onset and severe symptoms that differentiate them from traditional diagnoses like Tourette's Syndrome.

Community and Historical Context

The episode paints a vivid picture of Leroy, NY—a small town with a rich history linked to the Jell-O factory. This backdrop provides a cultural and historical context that may influence the town’s response to the outbreak.

Leroy's Identity:

“Old timers say you could tell what flavored Jell O they were making that day by the color of the creek running through town.” (16:49)

The declining prosperity and remnants of the Jell-O factory symbolize the broader socio-economic challenges facing the community, potentially exacerbating the crisis.

Conclusion

As the first episode wraps up, Dan Taberski sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the mysterious outbreak. The narrative suggests that understanding the human brain's complexities is crucial to unraveling the truth behind the symptoms plaguing Leroy’s young women.

Closing Thought:

“The brain is a mystery. Even when it’s Lyme.” (29:25)

With personal stories, expert insights, and a community grappling with fear and disbelief, Hysterical invites listeners to question the thin line between psychological and physiological phenomena.

Key Takeaways

• Mystery Illness: A cluster of severe motor and vocal tics among teenage girls at Leroy Junior Senior High School suggests a potential case of mass hysteria or an unknown contagion.

• Community Response: Initial skepticism and accusations of faking symptoms heighten the tension within the small town, complicating efforts to find a resolution.

• Investigative Effort: Dr. Jennifer McVig’s role is pivotal in identifying patterns and connecting cases, highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in such scenarios.

• Historical and Cultural Context: Leroy’s background, including its Jell-O factory heritage, adds depth to the narrative, potentially influencing the outbreak’s dynamics.

• Personal Impact: The stories of Jessica and Emily humanize the crisis, illustrating the profound personal and social ramifications of the outbreak.

Notable Quotes

• “These kids are just totally normal. And then next thing you know, they're going blah. And their arms are swinging.” — Mr. Mihalik (30:21)

• “Is Leroy or Leroy?” (14:23)
  — Dan Taberski questioning the town's name pronunciation, reflecting on the town's identity.

• “The first girls to develop symptoms at Leroy High were a junior and a senior, both cheerleaders on the varsity squad.” (23:30)
  — Lynn Belluccio recalling the initial cases.

Further Listening

Stay tuned for the subsequent episodes of Hysterical, where Dan Taberski continues to explore the interconnectedness of mysterious illnesses and their impact on communities. Follow Hysterical on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or your preferred podcast platform to stay updated.

This summary has been crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of Hysterical Episode 1: Outbreak, encapsulating all key discussions, insights, and personal accounts while adhering to the guidelines for structure and content emphasis.