Dark Plague

About

Other Names: Dark Plague; An epidemic which struck Iskander (254-258 YG) responsible for the death of the entire ruling family (255 YG), thereby ending the second dynasty. The disease gets its name from the dark swellings symptomatic of infection.

Virulence: Moderately contagious
Vector(s): The only known transmission vectors is handling living or dead victims and their belongings. Some cultures believe the dark plague is spread from the lips of demons which feed on sleeping victims leaving dark lesions and buboes in their wake. In truth body parasites such as lice and ticks are more probable as spreaders of this disease.
Prevention: Avoidance of contact with those infected. Frequent bathing and laundering of clothes and bedding. In Old Krolar, keeping a cat in the house has been attributed with keeping the demons responsible for this disease at bay.

Incubation: First symptoms of this disease can appear within a handful of days.
Contagious: Victims of this disease are contagious throughout the course of infection, and for a few days following their death should they succumb.
Symptoms: Headache, fever, general malaise, and lethargy are common following infection. In later stages victims develop swollen black blood filled lesions and blisters.

Curability: Cureable. Early detection and treatment is key in preventing further outbreak.
General: Rest, Fluids, Washing, and fresh dressings.
Medicinal: Medicines which treat early symptoms may provide some relief, but there is no known specific cure.
Surgical: Lancing and draining of buboes, application of leeches