Progressive Anthropophagic Virus

The Progressive Anthropophagic Virus (PAV) is a double-stranded DNA virus believed to be part of the class Herpeviricetes. It is structurally similar to HSV-1, with an icosahedral capsid enclosed in a glycoprotein-containing lipid envelope. PAV is responsible for a condition colloquially known as "wendigo" transformation, named after the creature from Algonquin folklore.
PAV typically remains latent in infected individuals for long periods, potentially decades. However, under extreme psychological stress, particularly related to starvation and the consideration of cannibalism, the virus can reactivate. This reactivation leads to dramatic physiological and psychological changes in the host.
The virus primarily targets the nervous system, particularly the vagus nerve, and affects various organs including the thyroid, pancreas, and digestive system. Its effects result in severe metabolic disruptions, physical transformations, and behavioral changes that mirror aspects of the Wendigo legend.
PAV infection and subsequent transformation are believed to be the biological basis for the Wendigo legends in Native American and First Nations cultures, particularly in the northern United States and southern Canada. The virus's effects create a self-perpetuating cycle of hunger and cannibalistic behavior in its victims.
While not supernatural in nature, the abilities and limitations of infected individuals (referred to as wendigos) often appear to be beyond human capabilities, leading to their mythologization in folklore.

Transmission & Vectors

• Primarily transmitted through saliva during viral reactivation
• Initial infection often occurs via the mucosal epithelium of the mouth
• Can be spread through sharing eating utensils or other close contact with infected saliva

Causes

• Infection by the Progressive Anthropophagic Virus (PAV)
• Viral reactivation triggered by extreme psychological stress, particularly related to starvation and contemplation of cannibalism

Symptoms

Initial Infection (often inapparent):

• Sore throat
• Slight fever
• General malaise

Early Reactivation:

• Numbness in feet and hands
• Dark discoloration of digits
• Hair loss
• Increased metabolism and appetite

Progressive Symptoms:

• Unrelenting hunger (polyphagia)
• Significant weight loss and emaciation
• Elongation of limbs and overall height increase
• Pale skin tone
• Growth of sharp, elongated teeth
• Formation of claw-like nails
• Enhanced vocal abilities
• Psychological changes including loss of moral constraints and obsession with feeding

Treatment

• No known treatment mentioned in the article

Prognosis

• Universal fatality within 3-4 months of viral reactivation
• Death typically occurs due to starvation, freezing, or being killed by others

Sequela

• Irreversible physical transformation
• Severe metabolic disruptions
• Psychological changes leading to loss of humanity and moral constraints
• Uncontrollable hunger and compulsion for cannibalism

Prevention

Avoiding extreme psychological stress and starvation situations may prevent viral reactivation in latent carriers

Epidemiology

• Primarily found in northern United States and southern Canada
• Believed to be present in a larger geographic area than currently known
• May have silently thrived for hundreds of years within a large population

History

• Believed to have existed in human populations for centuries
• Closely associated with wendigo legends in Algonquin and other Native American cultures
• First scientific observations and studies conducted relatively recently

Cultural Reception

• Primary host: Humans
• Many infected individuals may carry the virus in a latent state for decades without symptoms
• No other known hosts or carriers

Origin

Natural