Swamp Fever

"Swamp Fever"
Also know as: Paludosus, Febriculosus, Mud Fever, and Cane Cutter's Fever.
A sever swamp flu that can progress and lead to eventual death.

Transmission & Vectors

Transmitted through contact with infected algae in swampy water. Humanoid becomes infected through prolonged exposure to the algae. Cuts and sores on the body hasten the transmission.

Causes

Usually transported by humans and bird species. Water contaminated by the animal urine carrying the bacteria that infects the algae.

Symptoms

Begins with flu-like symptoms then resolves. The second phase then occurs involving meningitis, liver damage (causes jaundice), and renal failure. This results in:
-1 Str, -1 Cons, -1 Damage, Weight Loss, Reduced Movement.

Treatment

Treatment is available from a healer, cleric, or apothecary to diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Recovery occurs in about a week.

Prognosis

Conditions will continue to worsen over time with affects becoming more drastic at 1 week intervals. The condition is fatal if allowed to go untreated. Death eventually comes from organ failure.

Affected Groups

All mammalian and avian humanoids are subject to possible infection. Reptilian and amphibian humanoids are usually resistant due to natural immunities and thicker skin and scales.

Hosts & Carriers

Any animal can carry the disease.

Prevention

Avoid contaminated water, particularly swamps and marshy areas.

Epidemiology

Contamination can occur from transfer of bodily fluids. Those infected can also contaminate clean water by being immersed in it for a period of time and any subsequent visitors may be subject to becoming infected from the newly contaminated water.

History

Cases of Swamp Fever are rare but concentrated in and around swamps, mashes, fens, and stagnant water areas.

Cultural Reception

People are afraid of the infected and take great care to avoid them and in some case, try to dive them out of the community. Fortunately friendly clerics, healers, and apothecarys can usually find, concoct, or pray for remedies and will help out the infected so as to prevent localized contagion.

Type

Bacterial

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Rare