Respiratory Viral Infections After Munich Oktoberfest
Official title: Respiratory Viral Infections Following Oktoberfest Attendance: The MunichFlu Study
Run by LMU Klinikum · NCT07879781 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how often people who attend the Munich Oktoberfest get respiratory viruses and what types they are.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 4000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | LMU Klinikum Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (München) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 19, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07879781 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 and older who attend the Munich Oktoberfest or reside in Regensburg or Nuremberg and can consent and complete follow-up.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals who do not develop respiratory symptoms or who are not exposed to the event may not benefit directly.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective observational study follows adults who attend the Munich Oktoberfest to measure the incidence and causes of respiratory viral infections after the event. Participants complete a baseline consent and a follow-up questionnaire 1–2 weeks after the festival, detailing demographics, medical history, attendance, and any respiratory symptoms. If symptoms appear, optional nasal or throat swabs may be collected for molecular testing, and environmental viral surveillance will use wastewater samples from the venue to identify circulating viruses. The study aims to link clinical symptoms with specific viruses and environmental data to better understand post-event infection risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could clarify which respiratory viruses are common after mass gatherings and inform public health planning for future events.
How similar studies have gone: Other mass-gathering studies have successfully used similar methods (questionnaires, specimen collection, and wastewater surveillance) to track respiratory viruses.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged ≥18 years attending the Munich Oktoberfest during the study period, or reside in one of the predefined control regions (Regensburg or Nuremberg) Ability to provide informed consent Willingness to complete the study questionnaire during follow-up Exclusion Criteria: Refusal or inability to provide informed consent Inability to complete the follow-up questionnaire
Where it's running
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LMU University Hospital
München, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Stefan Brunner, MD
- Email: Stefan.Brunner@med.uni-muenchen.de
- Phone: +49 89 44000
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.