A Roman hospital hiding Jews invented a deadly epidemic to keep the Nazis away

During World War II, doctors at Fatebenefratelli Hospital in Rome devised a plan to protect Jewish refugees from Nazi raids by claiming they suffered from a fictitious disease called K-syndrome. This strategy was implemented as the Nazis intensified their persecution of Jews in Italy after September 1943. The hospital, led by Giovanni Borromeo, openly opposed fascism and had previously assisted Jews. When a Nazi raid occurred, the doctors prepared the refugees to act as if they were infected with this deadly and contagious illness. The ruse worked, as the Nazis avoided entering the hospital due to fear of contagion. Ultimately, the hospital managed to save many lives by finding alternative hiding places for the refugees. Borromeo was later honored for his bravery, receiving posthumous recognition as a Righteous Among the Nations.