Heptil Virus

Heptil Virus is particularly feared as it not only infects many carbon based lifeforms but also its ability to infect biomedical gels and lay dormant for decades in those medical treatments. Many other Virus types have one of these two properties but it is unique in its ability to survive hidden the most common medical treatment in the galaxy. The virus mimics the general bio-signature of one of the beneficial bacteria in the biomedical gel, making it hard to detect without rigorous testing.
While most species find the virus only somewhat uncomfortable like a common fever and cold, the addition of such symptoms among the wounded can cause wounds meant to be healed can turn septic and cause life threatening conditions among many species who are using biomedical gel for treatment.
Wide outbreaks often find widespread quarantine and destruction of biomedical gel on a mass scale to prevent secondary injury of the sick and wounded. These typically lead to quarantines of a couple months as governments and businesses work hard to eliminate possible secondary infections. Many galactic foundations work to support research on the eradication of the Heptil Virus as well as containing its spread.

Symptoms

Cold and Flu like symptoms when contracted through airborne exposure, with a low risk of death or complications. Rash, sepsis and shock when contracted through biomedical gel treatments. Contracted in this second manner it has a much higher rate of death or complication due to the compounding effect with whatever the gel was being used to treat.

History

It is believed to have been produced in a biological war between ancient alien species, and over time become less virulent but very persistent. Outbreaks among newly discovered inhabited worlds are not uncommon, but usually offset by improved medical treatment. 
Some think it was produced to attack the original aliens who invented the precursors to the current biomedical gel treatments. Others believe it was created by the universe itself to reduce the plague of sentient species messing up the environment. Still others postulate that it was actually a natural phenomenon which mimicking ability caused it to pick up traits generally associated with designed diseases.

Origin

Alien

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Rare