Serpent's Skin
Serpent's Skin, also known as Ilangduraxia, is an illness that turns its victim's skin into a scaly, lizard-like texture, and in extreme cases can cause death or even transformation into a Duraxid. Its first known appearance was in 111 3D when it broke out on the island of Jangil. In order to prevent spread, many Jangai children were evacuated before it reached them, which is the reason for the large Jangai population on the nearby island of Calliya. Travel to and from Jangil was restricted until 119 3D, at which point the Serpent's Skin was considered contained after killing hundreds of Jangai over eight years. Those who did not die of the initial disease turned into Duraxid, and were hunted down and exterminated.
Transmission & Vectors
Serpent's Skin is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids of an infected person. It can also be transmitted through a Duraxid bite.
Symptoms
Someone who is suffering from Serpent's Skin will typically develop a topical rash as their first symptom. This is the most common symptom, and for most, it will not progress past this stage. After a few weeks, if the rash doesn't go away, it will begin turning into a scale like texture. The formation of these scales is quite painful. These scales will continue to spread across the body until the victim turns into a reptilian humanoid creature known as a Duraxid.
Treatment
The only treatment is amputation, but this only works if the infection is centered on a limb. Even if the infected limb is removed, there is a chance that it could still reappear in another area of the body. Thus, amputation ceased to be used because it became pointless in most cases.
Prognosis
The first stage is the appearance of a rash. For most people, this rash is harmless and will go away with a few weeks. If it doesn't, scales will start forming in the area. These scales will spread across the body. When the scales cover about 40% of the body is the point at which most people will die. Those who do not die will continue to transform, until they care completely covered in scales and their heads begin to metamorphosis into a reptilian appearance. Once the transformation is complete, they are a Duraxid.
Affected Groups
Serpent's Skin historically only affected Jangil, but it is believed that it could infect both other Valo and Huma.
Prevention
A vaccine was created around 117 3D, and was distributed as necessary over the following years, until finally the outbreak was considered contained in 119 3D.
History
The first and so far the only outbreak of Serpent's Skin began on the island of Jangil in the year 111 3D. News spread quickly, and the Jangai were able to get a large percentage of their children off the island before it spread too far. These children ended up on the nearby island of Calliya, and are the foundation for the large Jangai population there. Travel to and from Jangil was restricted from that point on, and the Serpent's Skin ravaged its way through the population. Due to the efforts of the Jangai to isolate themselves, the disease did not spread off the island. In 117 3D, a vaccine was finalized and distributed to the Jangai and all nearby populations. Those healthy enough to do so hunted down the Duraxid until they were believed to be exterminated. The epidemic was declared to be over in 119 3D, and the travel restrictions on Jangil were lifted. Cases have been reported since, but very few.
Cultural Reception
As a result of the epidemic, the Jangai take disease prevention very seriously. Jangai will often isolate themselves if they come down with so much as a cold. While foreigners are allowed to access Jangil, they must quarantine before doing so, and most show documentation of vaccinations. They believe personal hygiene to be extremely important, and keep their cities very clean, all to prevent the spread of disease.
Type
Viral
Cycle
Chronic, Acquired
Rarity
Rare
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