The Irustipian Sickness

Anyone alive 30 or so years ago has had the Irustipian sickness burnt into their heads for an eternity. Some were infected by it, including myself... I have to say

— Clímaco Lefèvre, Chief Advisor to Aitor Larramendi, in a private correspondence

When one wanders or meets elders, they might notice pox-marked faces everywhere. Most will not talk about their scared faces out of shame, or they will cover them in powder if they can afford to. But there is many who will talk.

Where did it originate?

What caused it?

Most associate the sickness to be something to do with beer, as many reported catching the sickness after drinking beer or other sorts of alcohol. Originally some associated it with hygiene or rats, although since nobility has more access to hygienics it would rule them out. But because of the lack of science, it is still rather unknown on how and why the infection occurred.

Location of origin

The location of origin is somewhere in the nation of Atrilou. Something similar to the sickness was first sighted in the border village by the name of Zesepi in Atrilou.

Many perished in places such as Irustip and the illness left many to bear the consequences. Anyone from the cot to the grave caught it, no matter their social standing or class.

— Unknown Author

Who caught it?

During the plague, anyone and everyone seemed to get no matter the class they originated from. However, it seemed to be most common in peasants and the lower classes, especially in places such as Irustip (for which the sickness was named for) and other high-density cities. Nowadays, it is less common although every once in a while there are some outbreaks. It seems to have only affected humans.

No wonder the crows seem to circle so often, they are waiting for their next victim of the Irustipian plague. Sad isn't it?

— A Artilouian artisan

What are its symptoms?

Pusteles

The most common and well-known symptom is the purulent skin eruptions that occur within a few days of infection. These appear to be a reddish shade, and seem most prevalent on arms, legs and faces, although they can erupt upon any part of the body with flesh.

Fever

Another well-known symptom is the fever than comes with it. Characterised as shivering, feeling cold, chills and bouts of intense sweating. It seems to occur within in a few hours of infection. However, due to how common fevers are, this symptom is often mistaken for many other diseases and sicknesses.

Other symptoms

Some less-known symptoms were nausea and vomiting and mouth sores, amongst many others, as the sickness’s symptoms seemed to vary between locations.

When there's some pox on someone's face and their wheezing while they work the field, then you know who's a dead man

— Author unknown