In what authorities are calling "contagious fear," more than 30 people were taken to the hospital in Texas after a woman sprayed strong perfume in a Texas bank.

The pungent smell was initially reported as a carbon dioxide leak at the Fort Worth Bank of America branch, prompting a response from firefighters and other emergency officials, including a hazardous materials team. They soon realized the real culprit was strong perfume, according to various local media accounts. Carbon dioxide is odorless.

A spokeswoman for Bank of America told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that about 1,800 to 2,200 employees work in the building.

A fire department spokesman told the newspaper that two people initially complained to bank employees about feeling dizzy soon after the perfume was sprayed. An announcement was made over a speaker system that anyone else not feeling well should exit the building.

Out of the 34 people taken to the hospital, 12 were taken by ambulance.