The Rotting

The Rot, also known as the rotting, is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air. It is similar in nature to the pneumonic plague, which is a respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. In the Arkverse, the Rot is caused by a different type of bacteria that attacks the victim's respiratory system and can lead to severe illness or even death.
The transmission of the Rot occurs through close contact with an infected person, or by breathing in droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected individual. The disease can also be contracted by touching surfaces contaminated with the bacteria, such as doorknobs or handrails, and then touching one's face. However, wearing a gas mask with a functioning filter is an effective preventative measure against infection, particularly in high-risk situations such as combat or close encounters with infected individuals.
The symptoms of the Rot include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. The disease progresses quickly and can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure if left untreated. The most vulnerable to the Rot are those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and children.
Due to its highly infectious nature, the Rot poses a significant threat to society in the Arkverse. It is essential to take preventative measures, such as regular hand washing and wearing protective gear, to limit the spread of the disease. In extreme cases, quarantines may be necessary to prevent an outbreak from spreading beyond containment.
== Effects ==
Rot affects the infected in three stages:
: Rot 1 - The first stage is an incubation period, invisible to the affected person unless the Full Diagnostic Work-up is performed in a Health Clinic, and has no identifiable effects.
: Rot 2 - Vomiting and an Immune System drop occurs at this stage.
: Rot 3 - The final stage of the disease, lasts for another three days (72 hours). After that time, the sick have a very small chance) of shrugging the sickness off on their own, but in most cases, this ends in death.
Surviving the disease leads to the infected's body immunizing itself against the disease, meaning that there is no longer any chance for them to contract the Rot again.
Category:Phenomena