Phorus Disease

SC2024: A sickness that caused a societal upheaval

Phorus Disease is an engineered viral infection originally intended for use as a threat against the Legion of Free Men by the United Terran Commonwealth during the Colonial Wars. The virus was accidentally unleashed sometime during the last decade of the Colonial Wars, on a planet known as Phorus V. The release of records pertaining to the virus' escape from containment ultimately led to the widespread riots calling for the UTC's dissolution. Although the UTC's dissolution was not directly caused by the virus, the illness and the riots that followed are considered the 'final nail in the UTC's coffin'.

Transmission & Vectors

Phorus Disease is transmitted via respiratory droplets expelled by the infected, by hematologic contact, or by aerosol. The initial release of the virus was transmitted to the crew of the freighter TMS Nile via an aerosol which was improperly sealed, and ruptured into the cargo bay.

Symptoms

People infected with Phorus Disease are initially asymptomatic for two to five weeks, during which the virus may be spread via breathing, sneezing, coughing, and general proximity. The virus is found in high concentrations in the saliva during this period.


After the initial incubation period, victims begin to suffer from mild symptoms, such as increased sweating, stiffness, dry coughing, mild sinus and mucosal irritation, and general malaise. The mild symptoms are considered Stage II of the disease, and last for approximately 24 to 36 hours without treatment. Medical professionals recommend treatment starting at Stage II, to prevent patient mortality. This is the only phase where a complete cure is possible.


Stage III of Phorus Disease involves a mild to moderate fever, discoloration of the skin, capillary rupture in the eyes and face, bloody noses, watery and itchy eyes, chills, bloody coughs, lethargy, and lowered blood pressure. At this stage, the infected is at increased risk of aspirated pneumonia, hypothermia, blood clots, and stroke. In rare cases, heart failure has occurred. Stage III lasts approximately 18 to 24 hours. Treatment may be administered at this stage, but complete cures are not possible, and those who live through the illness are severely impaired.


The final stage of the disease — Stage IV — involves organ failure, respiratory distress, muscular atrophy, and significant bleeding from the orifices. Stage IV lasts approximately 6 to 12 hours. Symptoms may be erratic and unpredictable, and treatment begins to focus on hospice care.

Treatment

Treatments vary based on the vaccination status and age of the infected, but a booster dose of the Phorus Disease vaccine is a common addition to any treatment plan. Select types of antiviral medication may also be administered.

Affected Groups

The virus behind Phorus Disease is specifically engineered to only affect humanoid species, especially Humans themselves, although Jagodoans have been known to have a unique resistance to the disease, thanks to their heavily modified genome.

Prevention

A vaccine exists for Phorus Disease, which gives the body resistance and a way of fighting the illness. Vaccinated individuals find that the progression of the disease is slowed significantly, from hours to days. Medical professionals recommend that all eligible children above the age of two and all eligible adults are vaccinated against Phorus Disease every six years.

Type

Viral

Origin

Engineered

Cycle

Short-term

Affected Species

• Human