Mousewarts

Causes

Caused by caused by a bŭniim egg being laid under the skin.

Symptoms

Cramping, joint pain, sweating, fever, chills.
Diagnosus is confirmed by a one or more hard, itchy lumps under the skin, which move to the inner thigh, neck, groin, or armpit, or the crop of avian species. This movement of the buboes is what gives the disease it's name, as they appear to be "like mice, running under the skin".
The buboe gets larger over the course of a lunar cycle, eventually erupting in an adult bŭniim.

Treatment

Anti-parasitic treatments are recommended within 24-48 hours of initial symptoms. Thereafter, the body of the parasite may result in septic plague. If symptoms have progressed, it is recommended to wait for the parasite to erupt, while providing food and hydration to support the body and antibiotics to address secondary infections.
Surgical removal is ill-advised due to the increased risk of sepsis.

Prognosis

Fair to good in all cases with early treatment.
If left to develop, all patients are at high risk of death due to secondary infection. Mousewarts are especially dangerous in young children, and elderly and immunocompromised patients, who may lack the ability to outlast the parasite's development.

Affected Groups

Mousewarts are a condition on the working and impoverished classes, and has historically been associated with nightsoil removal, and tannery and abbatoir workers - all of whom may be bitten while working.
The condition is endemic anywhere environmental hygiene is lax, such as among residents of tenement slums and soldiers on campaign.

Hosts & Carriers

Mammals and birds - domestic and livestock - are able to contract mousewarts.
The buboes are occassionally seen on wild animals, but vultures and other carrion-eaters appear to have a natural immunity.

Prevention

Bŭniima live in foetid conditions and feed on rot; they are especially attracted to rotten meat and excrement. They are averse to sunlight and their gowth is hampered by fresh air. Bleach and other purifying agents are an effective deterrent.
As bŭniima are environmental pests, personal hygiene alone is inadequate to deter them.

History

The development of miasma theory and subsequent public health programmes saw a marked downturn in incidents of mousewarts, but they are increasing due to the squalid living conditions of industrial cities.
In 5.664, the city of Timik, in the Queendom of Ulusukia, embarked on a major public health initiative following an prolonged outbreak that affected almost every inhabitant of the city. The city demolished its outlying slums, replacing them with specially designed satellite cities which featured public baths, closed sewers that redirected effluvia away from habitation and into the river, and double-insulated water pumps. Tanneries were moved out of the city limits and a practice of weekly rubbish removal was instituted, with rejecta transported to incineration sites downwind of the city. In 5.703, a severe mousewarts outbreak among harbourworkers led to the the sewers being redirected again into 'santitaion ponds' for treatment, restoring the water quality of the river and harbour.
Timik has been used as the model for new city development in Ulusukia since 5.839.

Cultural Reception

In many cultures, mousewarts are seen as a sign of poor hygiene and sufferers often fail to seek medical help.

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Uncommon

Affected Species

• Kana'ōnah
• Tepetlactl
• Yutaaq
• Ialy
• Esaanla
• Magen