Husk Disease
Husk Disease is a virus that damages the nervous system. In a normal human, the epidermis, or outer layer of skin, is replaced every 28 days; this virus speeds up the epidermal replacement process to an alarming degree. Oxygen and nutrients are diverted away from other organs to support the creation of the new skin cells, depriving the other organs of nourishment to the point of shut down. The most common cause of death is due to kidney or liver failure.
Transmission & Vectors
The exact mechanism of transmission is unknown.
Until recently, the most widely held belief was that the disease was transmitted by physical contact with the diseased skin. Disproving the theory has relieved a tremendous burden on society as previously the infected person's possessions, and sometimes even their homes, had been burned to prevent spread.
It is now suspected that the virus spreads through ingestion of certain bodily fluids, although this theory has yet to be proven.
Symptoms
Early on, the drying of skin leading to itchiness and peeling, not unlike after a bad sunburn.
As the virus progresses, and the generation of epidermis increases, a crust of dead cells will begin to form in patches, and later cover the entire body.
Cultural Reception
In the past, when transmission was thought to be through the peeling and shed skin, the skin and anything it had been in contact with was burned, sometime including the home, and even the diseased person.
Currently, the diseased are removed immediately to a Temple to Astrid for quarantine and treatment. Exposed family and/or community members are quarantined in their homes for half a moon cycle (~12 days). Although in more superstitious/uneducated areas, the older, more draconian measures are still taken.
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