Lurgi? I may have it.

Looking for a brass band now.

The "Lurgi" (often spelled "Lurgy") is a fictitious disease from the British radio comedy show The Goon Show, which was popular in the 1950s. The disease was introduced in an episode titled "Lurgi Strikes Britain," first broadcast on November 9, 1954.

Symptoms of Lurgi:

1. Uncontrollable Urge to Yell "Eee-yaaa!": One of the most notable symptoms is an irresistible compulsion to shout "Eee-yaaa!" at random intervals, often at the top of one's lungs.

2. Physical Tics and Jerky Movements: Sufferers of Lurgi exhibit strange, involuntary twitches and spasms, making their movements appear erratic and jerky.

3. General Discomfort: Those afflicted often claim to feel "off," though they struggle to describe specific physical pain. They might experience vague feelings of discomfort or unease.

4. Psychological Effects: Victims may start to believe they are seriously ill, even though the symptoms are entirely ridiculous or exaggerated. This can lead to unnecessary panic or hysteria.

5. Social Isolation: Due to the contagious nature of the Lurgi (according to the episode), victims often end up isolated from society to prevent the spread, leading to loneliness and fear of contagion.

6. Unexplained Attraction to Brass Bands: In the episode, it's humorously suggested that the only cure for Lurgi involves acquiring a brass instrument and joining a band, which leads to a bizarre nationwide obsession with brass bands.

The "Lurgi" was a satirical creation meant to poke fun at the hysteria surrounding epidemics and public health scares. Despite being a joke, the term "Lurgi" or "Lurgy" has since entered British slang as a humorous reference to any minor illness, especially a cold or the flu.