The Gasp

Is a rare disease afflicting the respiratory and immune systems of the person. The name comes from the shortness and gasping of breath that the infected develop just before death. It is most often found affecting those dwelling in high altitude mountainous or desert environments.

Transmission & Vectors

The spreading of this disease is still largely unknown. Speculation suggests that perhaps disturbing long forgotten tombs or uncovering ancient sediments may release the dormant virus into the air where a host can inhale it and the lungs can incubate it.

Causes

The main cause is the inhalation of the virus either from another person or from newly released dormant viruses. After inhalation and incubation in the dark and warmth of the lungs, the virus invades the neighboring lung cells and begins to rewrites their DNA in order to replicate dozens more viruses, which then explode out of the cell and attach to and invade the other lung cells.

Symptoms

Initially there are no symptoms, but after a few days a small amount of phlegm may be produced in the throat, then small coughs for a few days. Afterwards, much longer and drier coughs develop and sore throats are certain. The diaphragm is overworked and coughing becomes labored and wheezing breath occurs. Soon fatigue sets in and people gasp for short breaths of air. The shortness of breath last longer and longer until no air can be pulled into the lungs and the person suffocates.

Treatment

This disease is easily cured by clerics if available. Several skilled healers have also been known to have found remedies to halt the spread and cure the individual. Magics and prayers are sure to heal the sick but also depriving the virus of what it needs can also stop the disease. Quite often the healer's cure consists of brewing a strong tea, that the vapors must be breathed in for several minutes and then be swallowed hot. The teas must be consumed every hour for the first day, every four hours on the second day, and then every eight hours for the third day. Usually three consecutive days will completely cure the person.

Prognosis

Conditions will continue to worsen over time with affects becoming more drastic until the person finally succumbs to the disease. Once coughing begins, the virus is easily transmitted from person to person. If left untreated the disease is usually fatal within nine days.

Affected Groups

All mammalian, reptilian, and amphibian humanoids are subject to possible infection, with mammalians being the most susceptible. Amphibian humanoids are usually more resistant due to their aquatic environment that constantly washes them off, their buccal pump respiratory system, and their reduced blood-oxygen content.

Hosts & Carriers

Any animal can carry the disease, especially rodents and lizards, but mammalian and reptilian humanoids are at most risk for infection.

Prevention

One never knows where the virus is hidden or who's cough contains it. The best prevention is common sense. Avoid sick people, wash hands often, stay away from dusty old tombs and crypts, and wear masks when moving old dirt, especially in desert and mountainous areas.

Epidemiology

This disease is very contagious, especially just after the first symptoms appear. Coughing expels the virus out into the air where it can linger about due to its small size and possibly be inhaled by a new person. Mercifully, sunlight will kill the virus within five minutes of exposure. In high population density areas, one infected person can infect dozens on a leisurely stroll through a crowded market. Fortunately this disease seems to be found only in harsh environments where population size is minimal and seasoned explorers know to take proper precautions as well as see a healer at the first signs of any sickness after an exploration or dig.

History

Cases of The Gasp are rare, but usually concentrated in towns and cities found near abandoned sites, ruins, desserts, rocky outcroppings, and dry mountainous areas. Deserts, in particular the Rimal Suhra  and the Jafa Suhra are where most occurrences of this disease can be found.
The Gasp Affliction of 701 A.S. was a very mysterious and unusual strain of the virus that infected the citizens of Memoria. This surprising variant was both very potent and fast spreading, infecting over half of the populace in just a few weeks. Adding to the mystery was the fact that Memoria does not meet the typical requirements of the disease and is not located anywhere near a desert or mountainous environment. The local healers and clerics were unprepared for such an outbreak and feared that the entire region may be lost to the disease. As more and more became sick, a lone traveler named Ricin Spurge, approached the local Sonians and traded rare plants and a cure to the disease, saving the entire region.

Cultural Reception

In the beginning stages with early symptoms, reactions to the infected usually range from concern to avoidance. However with the advanced stages and more serious symptoms, people are usually afraid of the infected and may begin to panic if many people start to show symptoms. In larger towns and areas where The Gasp is common, the clerics and healers will quite often be on the look out for newly infected people and try to isolate and heal them before an outbreak occurs.

Type

Viral

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Rare