Yellow Blight

Written by cal-the-dragon

Yellow Blight is the enemy of those in swampy or tropical areas of the world. No one knows where it comes from or how it is transmitted. Those born in these areas are naturally immune to yellow blight, but foreigners have never been exposed and fall ill nearly every time. As such, it has been nicknamed 'foreigner's bane'. More than one time the common disease has destroyed chance of negotiation between outsiders and natives, as it is often taken as an attack of some kind. 
Many think that yellow blight arises from the stale water, fresh fruit, and hot, cramped conditions that tend to be present in the affected areas. The disease often co-occurs with other native illnesses, like swamp fever. But natives of the area are exposed to it at such an early age, or immunity is passed down through the bloodline, that they are never affected. Culturally, at least by natives, it is seen as a minor, but regrettable obstruction to hospitalities between them and people of other nations. Yellow blight has also made its way into their mythology. In legends and folklore, yellow blight is considered an initiation into their culture and traditions for a foreigner. Once the disease has taken its course, the outsider will be congratulated, as they are now officially immersed in native culture.

Symptoms

The first symptoms of yellow blight usually arise one to two days after exposure. At first, the infected will feel hot, sweaty and exhausted. Sometimes victims will experience dizziness. The next day, yellow and pink pustules appear all over the victim's face, torso, and arms. For a few days, they will be in the height of the sickness, needing to rest all day, feeling very hot and sweating profusely. Finally, the infected will recover after about 6 days total.

Treatment

Often, the best treatment for yellow blight is just to let the illness run its course. However, during the worst symptoms, victims need to be given drinks every few minutes. Watermint tea is sometimes effective at reducing the effects, but it is not a cure. A paste made up of sèng seeds and zebra palm leaves, when mixed with boiled water and spread on the skin, helps reduce sweating and makes pustules disappear.

Sèng seeds and zebra palm leaves form an effective treatment for yellow blight. The zebra palm has a cooling effect on skin, soothing pores and discouraging sweating. Sèng seeds are naturally de-inflammatory, and contain a unique compound that, when absorbed through the skin, encourages ejection of infected tissues.

Type

Viral

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Common