Disease Name: Puppet Syndrome
Catalog #: 12033-PB.2
Index Case Date: YC103.11.04
Investigator: Kasara Du Vous, MD
Site: University of Kaal, School of Bacteriology and Mycology (Offugen III)
***Please note that this report is meant to be a high level summary for general education purposes. Redacted items and laboratory results/measures available upon request bending met criteria mentioned within this document***
Abstract: Newly discovered fungus (Endophiocordyceps doseducium) in southern hemisphere of planet previously studied due to regenerative and reproductive anomalies detected during initial laboratory testing. Fungus noted to have sporadic and rare spore release cycles despite large amounts growing on dirt in site canyon. Limited water and potential sources food led to further analysis of fungus.
Unpredictable spore cycle led to unforeseen release of highly virulent spores. Initial infection thought to cause constrictive pericarditis due to symptoms being a seemingly perfect match to the diagnosis. Incorrect diagnosis and treatment did not call for further internal analysis which would have revealed a slow infection of fascia throughout the body, causing victim to act out before neural tissue became infected, causing death and various growths post-mortem.
HISTORY: Fungus exhibiting virulent and/or parasitic behavior is not a new discovery. However, the stealth and speed with which this fungus infects and kills has not yet been seen elsewhere in New Eden. Initial discovery and report led to multiple investigations across the Cluster in an attempt to discover and catalog further fungal colonies in order to protect civilian life. At the writing of this report, only Sector 4 of Contemplav Canyon on Offugen III plays home to the fungus so far.
Index Event Summary: Fungus observation activities interrupted YC103.10.31 03:13 UST as fungi became active. Estimated 63% colony activation in simultaneous spore release. Possible activation due to start of minor excavation work around colony site to study growth and feeding behavior patterns. Standard field filtration masks distributed to team during retreat to an area outside of spore range. Spore settled 17 minutes after dispersal. Team re-enters site and begins investigation of spores and ‘bloomed’ fungi. Exposed internal structure of fungi reveals gill-like pockets containing few spores and dark red, viscous material. Smell likened to ‘rotten cinnamon’ despite filtration masks functioning. Spores taken to mobile lab for analysis.
Patient 0 exhibited symptoms 07:13 UST and immediately sought assistance from site medical facility. Symptoms included (1) chest pains, (2) shortness of breath, (3) copper smelling/tasting breath, (4) extreme fatigue, and (5) feelings of ‘wanting to black out, there’s too much pressure.’ All symptoms seemingly indicative of constrictive pericarditis inferred to be caused by fungal spores. Inference strengthened by patient having no previous inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. Renal failure ruled impossible post-lab analysis of patient. Phasonicardiographic analysis confirmed growth of fibrous pericardium over heart. Growth did not exhibit further anomalies potentially indicative of fungal laced growth. Patient underwent MPER (Molecular Particle Excision and Removal) to noninvasively eliminate growth. Procedure deemed successful. Patient release 11:21 UST same day.
Patient found same day at 13:13 UST speaking incoherently while walking through a narrow crevice leading to the fungal site. All attempts at communication unsuccessful. Only word recognized during speech was ‘love,’ followed by continued unintelligible speech. Site personnel attempted to restrain patient before being assaulted by patient. Animalistic yet randomized movements and increased strength noted during patient defending self. Oral orifice, tear ducts, nasal cavities, and external acoustic meatus/canal seemed to excrete above average levels of secretions. All secretions (mucus, tears, saliva, etc) mixed with viscous red material.
Site personnel ordered to stay back and observe patient from afar. Minimal self-defense measures brought with the expedition site led to limited options had patient attacked. Standard personal rail gun brought by Dr. [REDACTED] obtained and brought with personnel to observe and attempt communication with patient. Patient speech continued, increasing in volume as he approached the fungal colony. Speech became screeching of unintelligible sounds as patient began showing signs of distress. Patient flails arms and thrashed head while continuing to ‘speak.’ Patient proceeded to double over in pain as he vomited out more red matter and thick, clear globs of unknown material. Patient then observed to [REDACTED], at which point Patient fell backwards onto the colony after [REDACTED].
University of Kaal and planetary authorities called in by Site at 13:50 UST YC103.11.01. Site personnel ordered to remain indoors and to not approach colony site or cadaver. Investigatory team dispatched by Offugen Peacekeepers with UoK medical field research personnel. Attempts to contact site between initial SOS and landfall unsuccessful. Site seemingly abandoned upon inspection. Central mobile dormitory noted in a state of disarray. Biological matter found at various spots consistent with that found on.in Patient 0 cadaver. Careful inspection of the fungal site revealed seven bodies close together. Oral orifices of all cadavers were open in what seemed to be a smile. Remaining orifices clogged with red material, of which now grew fibrous follicles. Similar growth noted over entire body of each cadaver. Growth could be seen progressing across bodies and ground with naked eye, indicating aggressive reproduction and assimilation. Republic Military contacted after team member noted [REDACTED], leading team to immediately retreat from the colony as [REDACTED]. Post-mortem anomaly analysis available in full report [here].
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Author
Topic: The New Eden Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (Read 8937 times)