White Nerve Mold

Transmission & Vectors

The mold's spores drift through the air, landing and sticking to walls, ceilings, and people.

Causes

White Nerve Mold is caused by a type of white fungus that lives around the Coolant Sea or in other damp places. When it's young, the fungus is thin and gray, but as it ages it pales and grows its fruiting bodies, which release drifting spores.

Symptoms

As the mold grows, it consumes the skin to fuel itself, leading to increased chance of other infections and easier bleeding. Eventually, it bores into the nerves, causing paralysis and eventual death. At that point, the patient is contagious as the fungus grows its fruiting bodies.

Treatment

The early stages of infection can be dealt with by cutting off infected skin or limbs and burning them. However, once the mold reaches the nerves, the fungus cannot be removed and the infected is exiled to keep them away from the uninfected.

Prognosis

While the mold still sits on the skin, it can be removed somewhat safely - however, blood loss and other infections can be a problem. Once it enters the nerves, it is fatal.

Sequela

After the mold is removed, the lost skin can lead to further infection and fatigue due to blood loss.

Affected Groups

Generally, only the elderly and young are afflicted - others have the infection driven off easily.

Prevention

Most people's immune systems are strong enough to drive off White Nerve Mold on their own. The mold also requires exposed skin to grow on.

Epidemiology

Long power outages, heat waves, and floods promote the growth of White Nerve Mold. If contagious infected are hidden, they can lead to waves of the mold as they begin to shed spores.

Cultural Reception

Most of the people infected by White Nerve Mold are peasants - even at the old age required to be afflicted, they often continue to work. As their energy decreases, they are decried as lazy and useless. The infected are not only banished to quarantine them, but also to remove their drain on resources.

Type

Fungal

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Uncommon