Coilrot

Definition:

Coilrot is a lethal parasitic infection caused by the ingestion of worm-like organisms that typically infest the flesh of swamp-dwelling creatures, contaminated water sources, or improperly cooked meats. Upon entering the host's body, the larvae hatch and migrate toward the spine, where they latch onto the vertebrae and nervous tissue. As they grow, they coil themselves tighter around the spine, disrupting motor functions and, eventually, the victim’s vital bodily processes. Coilrot is among the deadliest untreated infections in regions where sanitation is poor.

Symptoms:

Severe Stomach Cramping:

The earliest symptom, occurring within hours or days of infection.

Nausea and Vomiting:

Victims often vomit repeatedly as the parasites travel through the digestive tract.

Back Pain and Stiffness:

A deep, persistent ache along the lower spine grows steadily worse.

Muscle Spasms:

As the parasites coil tighter, victims suffer painful, uncontrollable spasms in the limbs and back.

Loss of Motor Control:

Fine motor skills decline; victims stagger when walking, drop objects, or struggle with basic tasks.

Partial or Total Paralysis:

Without intervention, the parasites' pressure on the spinal cord eventually paralyzes the victim, starting from the legs upward.

Fever and Sweating:

The immune system often reacts violently, producing high fevers and extreme fatigue.

Progression:

Stage I – Infestation:

Stomach cramping, nausea, minor spinal discomfort. Easy to misdiagnose as food poisoning.

Stage II – Anchoring:

Parasites attach to the spine; muscle spasms, fever, and back pain worsen.

Stage III – Constriction:

Severe spasms, loss of mobility, paralysis beginning in the lower extremities, culminating in respiratory failure and death if untreated.

Origin and Causes:

Coilrot infection is most commonly caused by consuming raw or undercooked meat from swamp beasts (such as marsh-stalkers or bog lizards). Drinking untreated water from stagnant swamps or tainted marshes. Handling infested carcasses without proper protective measures. Exposure to infected blood during butchery or skinning in humid, contaminated environments.

Common Locations:

Blackmire Marshlands south of Faerundel
Murkfen Pools of southern Faerundel
Fetid meat markets of the Hollow Warrens
Ruins of Drekkamoor, where bog beasts still roam

Treatment and Remedies:

Cryofrost Application:

Applying intense cold directly to the spine (either magically or via alchemical frost packs made with Frost Lotus Petals) slows the parasites' activity, buying time for extraction.

Spinal Purge Elixirs:

A harsh concoction brewed from distilled Juniper Bark, crushed Fireheart Seeds, and concentrated Elderwood Bark induces violent bodily purging, forcing some parasites to dislodge.

Surgical Extraction:

Skilled healers must cut into the back and manually remove the parasites, often using numbing agents like Willow’s Tear-infused pastes to deaden the surrounding nerves.

Moonmilk Poultices:

Post-extraction, Moonmilk Paste is applied along the spine to reduce inflammation and promote nerve recovery.

Prevention:

Always cook swamp meats thoroughly, even if they appear fresh.
Purify all drinking water with Silverthorn Berries and Ember Resin filtering before consumption.
Wear protective gloves when handling unknown or freshly killed creatures.
Hunters and trappers working in swampy regions are advised to take Juniper Bark tonics weekly as a preventive measure.

Type

Parasitic