Creaks

About

A disabling disease characterized by the fusing of one's joints. The Creaks is named for the sounds ones limbs make during the early stages of infection. As the disease progresses, the victim loses mobility and becomes gradually trapped in an unmoving body. The treahni body contains a surprising number of joints, and some are more vital than others, so depending on which part of the body is afflicted the results can vary widely.

Contagion

Virulence

Moderately contagious.

Vector(s)

Creaks is transmitted through contact with the interstitial body fluids of an infected being, and is known to infect most species of mammals.

Prevention

Avoidance of contact, or covering of open cuts, or sores when dealing with infected beings or tissues. Washing with soap and water, or astringent after possible contact.

Course

Incubation

20-30 days

Contagious

An infected being will be contagious after approximately 10-15 days, and remains so until cured. corpses may remain infectious for some time post mortem.

Symptoms

Swelling, stiffnes and pain in afflicted joints; Loss of mobility; Shortness of breath (ribs); Inability to speak or eat (jaw); Loss of hearing (inner ear);

Treatment

Curability

Unlikely.

General

Rest, fluids, and general pain management.

Medicinal

The only treatment commonly employed is a tea brewed from black nut leaves which works as an anaesthetic, which helps ease the pain, but does little to prevent degradation.

Surgical

Amputation of affected limbs has mixed results in preventing the spread of the disease to other parts of the victim's body. It is believed that early intervention of this sort is critical to preventing eventual death.