Solus Omnivirus
The Omnivirus is a highly lethal bio-engineered pathogen that specifically targets non-Human species. The Sol Empire developed and released the virus through refugees attempting to flee the Empire for a new life in the Varkesh. The Unaligned Medical Relief Corps halted further outbreaks from refugee populations and produced a vaccine, though mass production took time to implement. The subsequent investigations into the production of the virus and the individuals key in its design has lead to increased diplomatic strain between Human and non-Human populations in the Alliance.
Transmission / Vectors
The virus is primarily airborne though lab testing has found it can survive for extended periods on a variety of surfaces. It shows extreme resilience to a variety of conditions such as heat, cold, dampness, and dryness. It is transmitted from the host via airborne droplets or contact with the mucus membranes of another individual. Further study has revealed the pathogen also infects Humans and even propagates within their bodies. Still, its more lethal effects remain dormant until it finds a non-Human host, turning Humanity into a silent carrier for the virus.
Symptoms
While the pathogen only affects non-Human species, its effects are rapid and devastating. The Omnivirus directly attacks the victim's respiratory and circulatory systems, crippling their ability to breathe and transmit oxygen, quickly resulting in total systemic organ failure. Without treatment, most victims barely survive 48 hours from the first outbreak of symptoms. with treatment, patients only last a few more days.
Treatment
Main article: Omnivaccine
Before the UMRC's vaccine, the Omnivirus had no known cure or treatment. Forced to watch as their patients died to the outbreak, medical personnel could not do anything more than try to make them comfortable. During this period, medical focuses were on rooting out the virus's source and a way to cure it.
While the UMRC never found a cure, the vaccine prevented transmission of the Omnivirus to new victims. Cases of the virus became increasingly rare, but outbreaks still occur among those who cannot receive the vaccine. Treatment has shifted toward simply reducing the patient's suffering as much as possible - In some cases, at the patient's request, through being put to sleep. Other patients are put into cryostasis until the UMRC can find a cure.
History
Four years ago, in 2722 AD, a new viral pathogen broke out in Varkesh territory near the Sol Empire. The pathogen appeared only to be affecting the Majan and Hydari citizens in the region, with Humans showing no symptoms but acting as carriers for the virus. It proved to be rapidly lethal for any non-Human who contracted it. The Unaligned Medical Relief Corps quickly responded to the outbreak, sending their medical frigates, volunteers, and the Spearing Medical Center.
A year later, in 2723 AD, the Spearing Medical Center's virology labs isolated a vaccine for the virus. This vaccine effectively rendered the virus useless at its original purpose by halting transmission. Once The UMRC inoculated the entire Varkesh population, Varkesh citizens' lives slowly returned to normal, but not without the scars left behind. The virus was successfully contained and quarantined, but not without significant casualties to the colonist populations in the region. Certain regions of non-Human populations now fear contact with Humanity as the silent carriers of this deadly virus.
Varkesh and UMRC medical researchers continue to study the virus today, hoping to find a cure for the Omnivirus and prevent future outbreaks of new bio-weaponry.
Cultural Reception
While the pathogen is no longer a significant threat to the population, it's still present in everyone's minds. The virus can still be contracted by those who cannot be vaccinated for various reasons. Humans being silent, unknowing carriers of the Omnivirus has started to create some strain between Humanity and the other races of the Varkesh. The origin of the Omnivirus being the neighboring Human nation, the Sol Empire, has not helped Human relations either.
Following the outbreak, despite Humanity being at the forefront of the treatment and vaccination efforts, many Varkesh communities have started distancing themselves from their Human neighbors. The Unaligned Medical Relief Corps has initiated a new policy requiring that all volunteers are screened for the pathogen and vaccinated. This policy forbids known carriers from entering any facility housing non-Human citizens.
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