Rat-bite Fever

A side effect of the bacterial infection carried by the fleas of rats.

Transmission & Vectors

The infection is spread through the bite of rats or by an infestation of the fleas they carry. The disease starts as a rash, then fever with inflammation and pain by the end of the first day. Progresses to bloody emesis and dehydration which results in death after two or three days.

Causes

The fluids of an infected person are contagious.

Symptoms

High-temperature fever, emesis, dehydration, widespread vesicular rash, and joint swelling and pain.

Treatment

Induction of fluids, reduction of fever, and controlling the emesis. Time is important, as once day two arrives, it is usually too late to help without magical assistance. Indigo Naturalis has been used to good effect as an antipyretic tea.

Prognosis

Poor.

Sequela

Poor muscle mass and coordination are common among survivors, even those with immediate treatment, due to CNS damage. Respiratory and digestive complications less common, but still frequent.

Hosts & Carriers

Spread by infected rats, fleas of those rats, and other life forms that are either infectious or hosting carrier fleas.

Prevention

Reduce the food source for the vermin carrying the flea or infected by the flea. Burning of bedding and clothing that might have fleas.

Epidemiology

Rats are small enough to get about anywhere and they spread their fleas to other warm-blooded lifeforms; humans, cats, and dogs. The flea can spread the disease by its bite if it came from an infected rat. The bite of a rat can also spread the disease.

History

Prevalent during the Sable Mischief in Horn Hall, it is unsure how it came to target this area. Rats from the south and by sea arrived in the area, their food supplies diminished due to years of poor crop growth. Unsure of how rats and fleas became infected originally.

Type

Bacterial

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Rare