Chaotic Fever

Chaotic fever is an affliction found throughout Annyrion, particularly in regions with high presences of mosquitoes such as tropical regions or swampy, stagnant water sources. It is one of the worst diseases in terms of mortality that can strike a person, and up until very recently in Annyrian history it was considered to have a one in four chance of death.

Transmission & Vectors

Chaotic fever appears to be spread by the bite of infected insects from observation by scholars at the Academy of Arikanda and the Druids of the Vessa.

Causes

Unbeknownst to the people of Annyrion, the disease is caused by a parasite.

Symptoms

The most well-known symptom of chaotic fever, and the source of its name, is a continual fluctuation between high body temperature, swearing and fever and then chills and feelings of extreme coldness no matter what the temperature or what a person is covered by. Other symptoms include severe headaches, seizures, interference with one's vision, and liver damage. In the later stages of the disease, symptoms include impaired mental function, coma and death.

Treatment

Until extremely recently, there was no real treatment for chaotic fever; the best that one could do was rest, keep fluids up and hope for the best. However, in the past fifty years there have been two developments which have made the treatment of chaotic fever a possibility. The first was discovered by the Druids of the Vessa after corresponding with the Ranata people, who seemed to be able to recover from the disease with relatively few ill-effects. It was discovered that by consuming the bark of the cinchona tree, which the Ranata had been using for centuries, the symptoms of chaotic fever were greatly reduced and chance of a recovery was much greater. The Druids released this information to the major city-states in Arikanda, and the bark was quickly harvested in regions of Calina and southern Arikanda and distributed via trade networks. The bark is usually brewed into a decoction and drank.

In 463 TE, a new source of recovery was found. Exarch Pasera of the Essene Templar, one of the greatest spiritual healers in Arikandan history, was able to carry out a ritual, which she attibruted to the goddess Essena's divine influence, that allowed her to cure High Archon Anaxes of Helik of chaotic fever within a day. This appears to have been carried out simply by her laying hands on Anaxes and calling upon Essena to restore him. This treatment method appears to be far more effective than cinchona bark, however only Exarch Pasera seems to be able to carry out the ritual at this time, and it is simply not possible for her to cure everyone. Until someone can replicate Pasera's ability to carry this healing out, it cannot be considered a miracle fix.

Prognosis

If treatment is administered quickly, prognosis for recovery is generally good. If cinchona bark is not readily available however, there is a potential 25% chance of the disease being fatal.

Sequela

In certain cases, the symptoms of chaotic fever can recur up to six months after the initial episode. In the event of liver damage or brain damage, the effects of this could potentially be permanent depending on how much damage was done.

Prevention

The main source of prevention for chaotic fever in Arikanda is to avoid mosquitoes however possible. This can include using rudimentary repellents made from various plants, wearing long clothing to reduce skin exposure, attempting to reduce sources of stagnant water, and destroying mosquitoes.

Type

Parasitic

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Common