A man has died and others are in intensive care after attending a "coronavirus party" in Italy in an attempt to catch the virus.
Health chief officials believe the patients are anti-vaxxers who deliberately attempted to become infected so they could obtain a "green pass", which is now required for work, leisure and to use public transport in Italy.
The only way to get a pass in the country is either through vaccination or by recovering from infection within the previous six months.
A 55-year-old man died last week in Austria after becoming infected with COVID-19 during a similar party in the city of Bolzano in northern Italy.
At least three other people - including a child - are said to have been hospitalised after catching the virus at similar events.
"We have received more than one account from doctors of patients who admitted to having been infected on purpose," Dr Patrick Franzoni, co-ordinator of the anti-Covid unit in Bolzano, told Italian newspaper Il Dolomiti.
"[They do this] to develop antibodies, and to obtain the green pass without vaccination.
"There are long-term consequences and even young people can end up in hospital."
Dr Franzoni said the anti-vaxxers would meet in outdoor areas of bars where they would hug, kiss and share drinks with someone who is infected.
The Prosecutor's Office in Bolzano has now reportedly opened an investigation into the so-called "corona-parties" according to the Independent.
Italy has been one of the worst hit by the virus with over 133,000 COVID-releated deaths.
Under emergency laws in Italy, which are in place until at least December 31, it's a crime to spread the virus on purpose.
