Mycocephalosis
The man lurches towards you, coughing and spluttering what looks like dust. His skin has become scaly and waxy, and his hair has all but fallen out. He is a spore carrier, a fungal zombie, whose mind has been parasitied by fungal growth.One of the myriad fungal diseases endemic to the Mycorhyzial Forest, Mycocephalosis is among the most dangerous. The brains of the infected are parasitied by the fungus, which strips down some of the victims' higher cognitive functions and reduces them to little more than shambling spore spreading "zombies". Mycocephalosis "Zombies" rarely live long in this state, their diminished brain functions typically lead them to be unable to feel hunger and subsequently starve, or alternatively to eat a toxic toadstool instead. The several species of fungus responsible for Mycocephalosis can themselves be hyperparasitised by other parasitic fungi. This is of little consolation to the victims, as those hyperparasitic fungi tend to cause fatal fungal diseases themselves.
Transmission & Vectors
Mycocephalosis spreads primarily through the inhalation of airborne spores, which are common within the Mycorhyzial Forest, but virtually non-existent everywhere else.
Symptoms
The fungus makes it's home in the respiratory system of it's victims. The lungs are where the spore producing fruiting bodies grow and mature. The victims frequently cough out dry clouds of spores.
The fungus parasitises the victim's brain, stripping them of most higher cognitive functions, and causes them to seek new victims.
Their movements are reduced to a stumbling, shambling gait, as the damaged brain struggles to control the legs.
Skin becomes scaly and waxy, and hair or fur begins to fall out, likely a defence against other parasitic fungi native to the region.
Treatment
Early stages of infection can be treated with anti-fungal agents. However, once the fungus spreads to the brain, the only "cure" is to "euthanize" the victim, typically with a shotgun to the face.
Prevention
A respirator is an extremely effective preventative measure, as the fungal spores require incubation within the victim's lungs in order to infect their host.
Type
Fungal
Origin
Mutated
Cycle
Chronic, Acquired
Rarity
Uncommon
Scary mushroom!