Zombie

Necrocephalitis or "Zombie" disease is a fatal and incurable disease caused by the parasitic protozoan Necrocephalus animatus, which is released into a host's saliva and transmitted when it comes in contact with another individual's mucous membranes or open wounds. The disease causes the host to become aggressive and prone to attacking or biting others; this, along with increased salivation and extreme hunger, increases the organism's chances of spreading to new hosts.
Necrocephalitis progresses rapidly, with symptoms escalating from mild flu-like manifestations to severe neurological and behavioral alterations within a matter of hours. The disease follows a predictable clinical course, marked by three distinct stages: a prodromal phase with progressive symptoms lasting 12-18 hours, an ambulant or "zombie" phase lasting days to months, and a terminal or "rot" phase lasting one to two months. Despite extensive research efforts, Necrocephalitis remains incurable, with a mortality rate estimated at 100%, and it is responsible for the demise of approximately 80% of the population. Given its catastrophic impact and absence of effective treatments, combating Necrocephalitis remains a critical priority.

Transmission & Vectors

Necrocephalus animatus, is transmitted through contact between blood or saliva of an infected host and the mucous membranes or open wounds of uninfected individuals, with human bites being the most common mode of transmission. Following entry through a wound, N. animatus rapidly disseminates through the bloodstream, utilizing parasitized leukocytes to breach the blood-brain barrier. High concentrations of the protozoan are also found in the oral tissues, particularly the salivary glands, enabling efficient transmission through saliva. Humans are the sole known reservoir for N. animatus, with no zoonotic vectors or alternate species identified as carriers.

Symptoms

The clinical progression of the disease is divided into four specific stages: the incubation, prodromal, ambulant or "zombie", and terminal or "rot" stages. While there is some variation in these stages from individual to individual, they are highly conserved among the affected population.

Incubation stage

The incubation stage from exposure to first symptoms typically lasts 6 to 18 hours, with an average incubation time of 12 hours from exposure to the onset of symptoms.

Prodromal stage

The prodromal stage, which begins at the first onset of symptoms, lasts an average of 12 to 18 hours. Early symptoms include progressively increasing fever, nausea, unsteady stance and gait, mania, jaw clenching, laryngeal spasms, difficulty pronouncing words (dysarthria), body tremors (titubation), decreased muscle control, and abnormal sensations at the site of infection.

Ambulant stage

Symptoms of the ambulant stage include violent movements, extreme hunger, cannibalistic urges, compulsive biting, cerebral dysfunction, loss of fine motor control, loss of higher thought, and tissue death caused by the over-production of enzymes that dissolve cell structures. It is the violent and cannibalistic behavior of this stage that earns these individuals the moniker of "zombies".

Terminal stage

In the terminal or "rot" stage, tissue necrosis, severe physical decay, and loss of limbs ensue. Speed of progression from the ambulant to the terminal stage varies from weeks to months, but averages at around six to eight months. Once the individual has progressed to the terminal phase, death generally results within a further one to two months.

Treatment

There is no known treatment for Necrocephalitis, and it is believed to have a 100% fatailty rate.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals afflicted with Necrocephalitis, colloquially known as "Zombie" disease, is dire and ultimately always fatal. The disease progresses rapidly, leading to severe neurological and behavioral alterations, and culminating in death. Despite extensive research efforts, effective treatments for Necrocephalitis remain elusive, underscoring the urgent need for continued scientific investigation to combat this devastating condition.

Hosts & Carriers

Humans are the sole known reservoir for N. animatus, with no zoonotic vectors or alternate species identified as carriers.

Prevention

The primary method of preventing Necrocephalitis is preventing bites or contact with infected fluids wherever possible. Wearing eye protection, such as goggles, visors, or glasses, can safeguard against accidental exposure to infectious fluids during encounters with zombies. Additionally, donning sturdy body armor made from materials like leather or Kevlar can provide an extra layer of defense against bites.
Vaccination is the only effective method of preventing Necrocephalitis in exposed individuals. The N-39 Vaccine developed by Dr Remy Dupont is the only known effective vaccine.

History

On October 3rd, 2023, Isabella Vane presented to Saint Mary's Medical Center with symptoms including titubation (body tremors), laryngial spasms, and fever. Within two hours of her arrival, she became violent, attacking and biting two nurses. When her vital signs became irregular and she began to exhibit symptoms of cyanosis and spontaneous ulceration, she was transported to the Titan Industries Downtown Research Building for further testing. Upon her arrival, she spat blood at a security guard, her blood having turned thick and black. The Titan Industries building went into lockdown, but this did nothing to stop the spread from the two nurses at St Mary's who were exposed. Roughly a day after the Titan lockdown, a city-wide quarantine was imposed in a futile attempt to stop the spread of the then-unknown contagion, with multiple news sources mis-attributing the source of the spread to Titan Industries.

Type

Parasitic

Origin

Mutated

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Affected Species

• Human

Caused By
Necrocephalus animatus