Most people might expect to suffer some ill effects from attending the famous Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich - but not to contract a potentially deadly virus from being bitten on the leg.

BBC: News | Health | Don't mention the gnaw

And since 1950, the Oktoberfest has officially opened with the tapping of the first keg by the Munich mayor.

BBC: Oktoberfest turns 200

Munich hosts one of the world's most famous municipal celebrations, known globally as Oktoberfest (although it is in fact held at the end of September) and known to locals as Wiesn (from the grassy expanse where it is held called Theresienwiese).

BBC: Living in: Munich