EXHAUSTION and disappointment are not listed symptoms of "Bieber fever", a new epidemic sweeping the ranks of young Australian teenage girls.
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But Mariah Maiava and Ashlee Peck are feeling both in equal measure after their latest effort to see their idol Justin Bieber in the flesh in Sydney early yesterday morning.
The two friends travelled to Circular Quay, Sydney, at 11pm on Sunday night to be in prime position for a Sunrise concert of three songs at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at 7.40am.
They were left disappointed when the concert was cancelled by police at the last minute after safety concerns.
Mass hysteria quickly descended into chaos when 5000 star-struck teenagers had arrived at the venue before dawn, forcing police to cancel the gig about 6am.
"There weren't that many people there when we got there but they just kept coming," Ashley said.
At about 4am, and only hours before the the time the 16-year-old sensation was due to begin, the two friends were starting to realise things were out of control.
"The police would tell everyone to get back and they would, but people would push forward again," Mariah said.
"Some of the younger girls had to be lifted over the barrier to get out."
Several girls received medical treatment at the scene but eight, aged 12 to 16, were taken to hospital, one with a fractured knee cap.
Bieber performed in the studio with crowds watching the performance on a television outside.