Witch's Decay

Transmission & Vectors

Contracted by drinking contaminated water, it is particularily harsh to those with a previously weakened immune system.

Causes

Originally pinned on witch sectors, giving rise to the name Witch's Decay, there was a common trend that in areas that many potions were brewed and witchcraft praticed, this disease was prevalent. However, as magic is practiced less and less, it seems to just be due to dirty water. But the fear of those with this illness is still socially engrained by history.

Symptoms

• Nail brittleness
• Weight loss
• Difficulty breathing
• Spreading rashes
• Occasional hallucinations

Starting with brittle nails and weightloss seemingly out of the blue, however these symptoms tend to only last about a week, so it is often dismissed by the infected as stress induced, or poor diet. Next, they find it difficult to breathe; feeling as though a weight is constantly pressing on their chest. Finally, the last common symptom is a quickly spreading rash. Turning a pale blue and it becomes crispy to the touch after a few days.

The most severe symptom is luckily the most uncommon, hallucinations. Twisting the reality around you in a realistic way, those that experience this symptom rarely even know they are. However, they are incredibly dangerous. Making them believe certain actions must be taken, perhaps they hallucinate someone is attacking them, they often hurt themselves or those around them; seemingly at random to others.

Treatment

There is no known treatment for this disease, those afflicted tend to recover between two and four weeks of contracting it. There is a heavy discrepency however, as many dismiss the first symptoms.

Affected Groups

Usually affecting 1 in 20 children up to the age of 15, this is mainly due to them not having as developed of an immune system. Luckily, children tend to have less symptoms, or at least less severe. Hallucinations tend to be only experienced by the adults that contract this disease, usually after overcoming another illness.