Croxwie Pinion Mites

Croxwie Pinion Mites are mites that will often infest the feathers of a Croxwie or other suitable species with large avian wings. Nestling within the feathers, these mites will survive off the host's blood, and will remain with the host until they die or are detected and removed.
Croxwie pinion mites are easily treatable, and pose little risk to one's health otherwise. However, outbreaks of pinion mites may herald an outbreak of severe diseases that are insect-borne, and thus pinion mite infestations and outbreaks are tracked and dealt with expeditiously.

Transmission & Vectors

Transmission of pinion mites is primarily by contact, particularly through shared articles of clothing or self-care items. The eggs of pinion mites are hardy, and stick well to shed feathers, clothing, and hair.
Adult pinion mites do not move from their host, even upon the host's death. Transmission is purely through the eggs and early immature mite nymphs.

Symptoms

Minor infestations of pinion mites will often go unnoticed.
Moderate to severe infestations of pinion mites will be hallmarked by wing pain, intense itchiness in the wings, discoloration of major feathers, and the loss of a feather's sheen. In severe cases, anemia and feather loss may also be indicated.

Treatment

Adult mites and nymphs are killed through the application of a safe insecticide in the form of a shampoo.
All contaminated clothing and personal care items will need to be sterilized or destroyed via chemical dissolution or incineration. This ensures the destruction of the eggs.

Prognosis

The prognosis for a case of pinion mites is usually good, even if a patient is in marginal condition. Pinion mites will only pose a threat to a person's health if there are already pre-existing conditions that are in themselves dangerous.

Sequela

No known sequela of mite infestation have been recorded.
However, pinion mites are known to spread insect-borne diseases, including the feared Chirno Blindness, and the deadly Kalion Fever.

Affected Groups

Children are most affected, due to their propensity for being in close contact with one another. Those living in close quarters, including prisoners, soldiers, and those living in assisted living situations, are also significantly affected due to their close proximity to each other.

Hosts & Carriers

Any animal that possesses avian feathers can potentially carry mites. Mites will parasitize any animal that is large enough to support them.

Prevention

Prevention of mite infestations takes on two avenues:

• Individual control means includes frequent hand washing, not sharing clothing or personal care items between each other, and having regular check-ups being performed by medical professionals;
• Institutional control includes outbreak tracking, decontamination and sterilization/disposal of items potentially exposed to mites or mite eggs, and public education/treatment campaigns.

Epidemiology

Outbreaks are common in communal facilities, including schools and prisons, due to the close contact that others share with each other.

Cultural Reception

Mites are often viewed as an affliction of the poor or the dirty, which results in ostracism of an individual that is suspected or confirmed with having an active mite infestation.
Mages will shun those who are infected with mites, given that Chirno Blindness is debilitating to any magus. They will keep their distance in order to protect themselves from what is potentially a career-ending transmissible illness.

Type

Parasitic

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Common