Murky River Fever

Summary

A condition encountered in The Jungles of Mijhail, it affects the bodies ability to regulate body temperature, erasing it entirely. The victims suffer through painful skin lesions, fevers, and eventual organ failure leading to death. It is a common cause of death for the elderly of the region.

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What Happens?

Murky River Fever once contracted causes as a cascading effect that eventually kills the victim. First, the bacteria of the disease travels to the brain via the bloodstream and infects the hypothalamus. Specifically blocking the hypothalamus’ ability to measure and regulate body temperature. This targeted damage causes the body to spiral downwards quickly, especially in the humid climate of the Jungles of Mijhail. With the hypothalamus’ ability to regulate temperature gone other temperature reducing fail-safes are either not able to function or can’t keep up with the increased stress.
Within days the sick will likely perish. First, they are struck with extreme thirst and will attempt to consume every drop of water they can in attempts to cool themselves. Then their skin begins to contract painfully, eventually cracking and tearing into horrible lesions caused by the bodies inability to realize it needs to sweat to cool itself off.
Eventually, the victim's body will reach an internal temperature too hot for their organs to function properly. The body slowly shuts each organ down in a panicked attempt to conserve energy and survive. By now it is too late and soon the victim dies of cascading organ failure.
Throughout the sickness, the victim will suffer through many or all of the following symptoms:

Fever
Confusion
Loss of consciousness
Vomiting
Muscle cramps
High heart rate

Rapid breathing
Headaches
Nausea
Red, hot, dry skin
Painful lesions
Extreme thirst

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How does it happen?

It is caused by inhaling a commonly found bacteria in the Jungles of Mijhail. This bacteria is found in concentrated algae patches in the muddy detritus laying on the bottom of the various river systems of Mijhail. The bacteria-laden algae rise to the surface of the water on hot days. The bacteria in the algae slowly vaporizes into the air under the heat of the sun, becoming an airborne bacteria. Upon inhalation, the bacteria invade the blood system and makes its way to the brain where it infects the hypothalamus.
Most healthy younger individuals can easily fight this infection and rarely contract Murky River Fever; unless they are exposed to a large concentration of the bacteria. Large deposits of this bacteria are a rare occurrence. Though evidence of large algae patches have been recorded in the deeper jungles and would be highly concentrated with this bacteria.
However, the elderly are very susceptible to this disease due to a general weakening of their immune system. The condition is so common that a large selection of the elderly population succumbs to this disease annually. It is a major concern for the ageing and many seclude themselves farther and farther away from these algae ridden rivers as they age. Though not everyone has the ability to move and must risk contracting the dangerous disease.

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Is there a cure?

It is commonly accepted that once one has contracted Murky River Fever then the victim will likely perish within days. Living in the hot and humid environment of the jungle does not bode well for those who can’t naturally cool themselves. Most die within a few days, their bodies unable to handle the extreme heat causing havoc throughout it.
The only rumoured cure is a rare root plant, only found deep within the jungle. It is a difficult root to find, and any who seek it must risk the dangerous beasts and plants of the inner jungle. If one were lucky enough to find the root, they would be able to brew a special tea that may cleanse the bloodstream of the bacteria and give the body a chance to fight back.

Type

Bacterial

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Common