Yellow Blotch Fever

"From this day on, by Imperial decree, anyone caught suffering from the Yellow Blotches will be forced to empty their houses and retire to the temporary homes outside of town. Those who care for the afflicted must also leave their homes as a precaution. There will be no exceptions. A heavy fine will be levied against anyone who stays in contravention of this order."
~A message given to the town criers of Losgate, spring of 182 II

Transmission & Vectors

After the first few persons affected begin to spread the disease, it can passed through water or food that has come into contact with anyone suffering from the disease. It can also be spread through direct contact, but it would have to be contact with the afflicted's wounds and sores.

Causes

If an algae bloom begins in stagnant freshwater waterways, the tiny worms responsible for the disease will begin to collect in large enough numbers to possibly attack anyone who ventures into the water. These algae blooms are more commonly right after the winter thaw, when the winter harvests come in and people are less likely to be taking proper care of their irrigation canals.

Symptoms

The signature symptom of Yellow Blotch Fever are the large pus-filled yellow bruises that begin to form where the worms have burrowed. Headaches, weakness and light-headedness are also very common symptoms, but the yellow bruises that give the disease its name are the clearest indicator of its presence.

Treatment

Cauterization of open wounds and divine healing are the most commonly-used treatments against the spread of the disease. A few varieties of the disease have been known to be killed off through the use of disease-curing potions as well, but some strains have become resistant.

Prognosis

If left untreated, the headaches become stronger and more frequent, and the bruises begin to multiply and become darker in colour. After two weeks of no treatment, the worms will hatch inside the host's body and dig through into vital organs, which is almost certainly fatal short of divine intervention.

Sequela

Due to the chaotic nature of plague hospitals in the Empire , those suffering from this disease might find themselves contracting other, more deadly diseases if the Fever doesn't kill them. The state of non-divine medical care in the Empire also might cause complications if the wounds don't heal properly. It is not unheard of for those who survive to have joint pains and scarring from the experience.

Affected Groups

Poorer people or inhabitants of remote villages without wells are more susceptible to catching the disease, but otherwise anyone can get it.

Prevention

There are very few preventative measures against the disease, due to its seasonal arrival and very particular conditions. Regular canal cleanings are the best defence against the illness.

Epidemiology

Sewer cleaners and sailors are usually the first to catch the disease, especially if they are frankly stupid enough to drink the canal water. These folk then infect their families or their co-workers, who then go on to infect others.

Cultural Reception

Those who have contracted the disease are often quickly quarantined in plague hospitals outside of major cities or in their homes so that they don't catch the disease themselves. The scars from the bruises can often make the survivors much less beautiful in people's eyes and often causes a strong stigma against getting treatment.

Type

Parasitic

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Uncommon

Affected Species

• Endamian Dwarf
• Endamian Human

Art Credit: emperorcharlesii (me!)