Ormykite Paralysis

I've seen people who were struck with the fumes of the Orgiodi Mykites. And I swear, I have not yet before seen such agonizing expressions on human faces, such helpless blank stares trying to see something through the mist of pain. A doctor mentions his encounters with the infected

Transmission & Vectors

The agent is most usually transmitted via airborne fumes of the Orgiodi Mykites, however, it can also be transmitted through water that has mixed with the contingent or through a large amount of infected blood getting into a healthy bloodstream.

Causes

The fumes are a natural defensive mechanism of the plant and thus have a very strong chemical compound that when inhaled will proceed to attack the entire nervous system. Being subject to them for less than 5 seconds will not yet cause the condition to appear but after passing that threshold of said 5 seconds, it will take effect. Exposing yourself for more than around 20 seconds to half a minute will result in death.

Symptoms

Generally, the condition kicks in around two to three days after being exposed to the toxic fumes. The most obvious symptom is the chronic paralysis that occurs after the initial spasms. But besides this, and probably far worse, the work of internal organs is disturbed greatly, which can lead to their permanent damage.

Treatment

There is one known solution of neutralising the neurotoxin from the fumes, that attacks the nervous system - a controlled dose of venom from an animal species known as Lefkos Chartaetos. It causes extreme hyperreactivity which is capable of bringing the patient out of the state of paralysis

Prognosis

The course of the condition is always the same:

1. Sudden shock, problems with breathing
2. Spasms; these can sometimes cause death by themselves, as it is possible for the patient to break his spine due to their uncontrollable and violent nature
3. The patient will enter into a state of chronic paralysis, losing all control over his bodily functions, albeit retaining consciousness
4. This state will persist (around 5-8 days) up until the internal damage to the organs (due to their defunct work caused by the chemical poison) is irreversible and will then result shortly in the death of the patient

Sequela

The seriousness of the damage that will be retained after the condition is cured depends on how long the patient has been in the chronic paralysis:

• If the cure was administered quickly, it is possible he will be able to go back to full health, however, this is rare. More commonly some part of the body, usually a limb, will remain outside of the control of the patient for a very long period of time.
• If the right treatment is not done with haste, the patient can be left permanently disabled for the rest of his life, with whole parts of the body paralysed. Not only that, the internal organ damage may lead to other health problems.
• If nothing is done, then the patient will eventually die a painful and cruel death, having his entire body fail at its basic functions gradually.

Prevention

The most certain way to avoid being struck with the illness is wearing a gas mask with an appropriately powerful filter at all times while exploring the southern jungles.

Epidemiology

The fortunate thing about the Ormykite Paralysis is that it is mostly incapable of moving from one person to another. The only real possibility of that is if the blood of the infected individual would find itself in excessive amounts in the bloodstream of another, healthy one.

Cultural Reception

The condition is universally feared due to its agonizing process and the lack of an efficient widespread treatment. It has been described as one of the most unpleasant to witness by many of those unfortunate enough to have their relatives or close ones lost to this relatively rare sickness.

Type

Chemical Compound

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Rare

If it hadn't been for my dear comrades that took me straight back to the camp where they miraculously had the cure, I would probably not be right now here to talk with you, whether because I'd be stuck in a wheelchair with half of my body not functioning or simply dead. A Thalyssian member of an exploration team about his close call with the sickness