It was one of the most audacious ploys of the Second World War: a fake disease with no cure that saved dozens of Jews from the Nazis in occupied Rome. The fictitious disorder was known as Syndrome K, and was 'treated' in a hospital right under the noses of the Germans. Fearing infection, the Gestapo and SS refrained from investigating the hospital. But soon clues began to unravel about the mysterious malady. If the ruse was discovered, the repercussions would be swift and deadly.
So, what was Syndrome K, and what were the reasons behind its invention? Click through and find out more about the lethal wartime contagion that never was.