A disease exclusive to New Guinea causes those afflicted to run amok, stealing objects of little value and attacking bystanders.
Wild-pig syndrome is a socially constructed disorder of the Gururumba tribe. The illness is characterized by involuntary antisocial behavior, followed by situational amnesia and the resumption of normal life.
After looting neighbors’ homes, the tribesman (usually a recently married male) ventures into the forest for several days, returning without the stolen articles.
Wild-pig attacks seems to occur when a man is unable to meet his financial obligations. Those who have undergone the episodes later receive special consideration from creditors.
The Gururumba people insist the illness is transmitted by the ghosts of recently deceased tribe members.
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