Pauper's Bloat

Native to Bastique is a condition best known as Pauper's Bloat. The condition earned its name due to the fact that it is most commonly found amongst the peasantry due to the fact that they work closely with the Vin Oxen from whom the condition originates. A Vin Oxen's hide, until treated, naturally contains the infection, which will spread to any that touch it. Infection can be possibly be avoided if the person that came into contact with the Oxen thoroughly washes and disinfects their hands within a day. The symptoms of Pauper's Bloat begin with mild joint pain that gradually increases to a constant painful ache. This is then followed by chronic breathlessness, regardless of the sufferers level of activity. The third and final symptom is a painful swelling of the extremities that typically occurs during the summer months.
While there is no cure for Pauper's Bloat, there is a treatment that will reduce the amount of pain and swelling experienced by the sufferer. However, this treatment is incredibly expensive, meaning that only the most wealthy in merchants or nobles are able to afford it. This has resulted in the wealthier citizens of Bastique not taking the condition seriously, while the poor view the condition with fear.
As a means of increasing production amongst the peasants by preventing them from being affected by the condition, merchants began selling thick, cured hide gloves that provide cover up to just above the elbow. These have proven to be an effective way of protecting someone from contracting the condition when working with the oxen, and are much more affordable than the treatment.
While these hide gloves have reduced the rate at which Pauper's Bloat is contracted, it has not eradicated the problem. This is due in part to the fact that, when the extremities swell, the sufferer becomes highly infectious and anything that they touch with the swollen limb will need to be thoroughly washed in order to avoid the risk of infecting others. As such, a side effect of the condition has been that most households are impeccably clean, and many of the poorer areas are actually much cleaner than any noble mansion.

Type

Viral