The Boston University Epidemic, also known as “BU Fever,” has overtaken the city of Boston this past year, infecting people of all ages with overwhelming school spirit for a university they do not attend.

BU Fever affects non-students who wish to fit in with the tuition paying college community. In order to feel included in the collegiate environment, non-students will often purchase BU lanyards, sweatshirts or other merchandise, sometimes spending upwards of $50 on an abundance of Boston University gear.

Not only is BU Fever affecting Boston residents and out-of-state visitors, but also has spread to Europe, in turn drawing many international visitors. A foreign exchange student from Germany traveling with AFS has said she stocks up on gear to, “show [she’s] been here.” The obsession with the University is spreading rapidly. There have been sightings of non-BU students on almost every continent proudly donning college wear for a school they do not attend, according to a BU Bookstore employee.

After interviewing two employees at the BU Bookstore, it was revealed that, on average, half the clothing purchases are made by non-students. When asked if it bothers current students, one employee responded, "Yeah, probably,” with fervor.

The widespread fever has angered many students currently enrolled in the school. “I guess some of the students who actually go here get annoyed by all the people who pretend, but I don’t really know,” said Rose, a rising junior at BU, who was overcome with emotion during the interview.

The BU Fever has shown no signs of stopping anytime soon. Although students are not thrilled with the epidemic, the bookstore employees say it has been great for business.