Virus X

Virus X is an experimental virus developed by Asgarnieu for use in biological warfare. It is known as the Red Virus to some scientists. It is expected to be in use by FY 2007.

History

Two Military Armament Company, Inc. scientists were observing a strain of an unknown virus under a microscope. As one scientist picked up the sample, about 1 microgram made its way on to his right-hand protective glove. Due to extreme carelessness, the scientist neglected to sterilize his hands after removing the glove. The virus made its way into the scientist's bloodstream through a scratch on his upper wrist. Within 17 hours, he began showing unprecedented symptoms slightly similar to tuberculosis.

Characteristics

The virus itself is about 1.5 nanograms in length. It is rod shaped, and bares similiar characteristics to the Marburg virion.

It is transferrable by contact with an infected persons blood, sexual fluids, or other internal fluids. It is not harbored in saliva. It can also be vectorborne. If a mosquito draws blood from an infected person and in turn bites another uninfected person, the uninfected person will become infected. The mosquito will show no signs. Nearly all mammals can host and spread the virus. The only mammal able to resist the effects of the virus is the Spotted Skunk. The virus can survive in water for 200+ hours and can survive outside the body on inanimate objects for up to 120 hours.

Symptoms

The virus causes many symptoms, but they are nearly exactly alike in each patient. Symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Open sores
• Extreme fever
• Bleeding rash
• Hair loss
• Muscle soreness
• Joint pain
• Bloody cough
• Projectile vomiting of blood
• Blood in stools
• Blood in urine
• Decreased appitite
• Increased thirst
• Irratability
• Irrationalism
• Decreased attention span
• Fixed stare
• Burning sensation in extremities
• Sore throat

Stages

Stage 1 (S1) is the base stage. Initial infection and incubation occur in this stage. Incubation lasts anywhere from 12 hours to 24 hours. In this stage, there is no sign of illness in patients. Subjects say that they feel fine and have increased vitality. If the antidote is administered in this stage, the infection will subside.

Stage 2 (S2) is where a rash occurs. The rash can occur anywhere on the body, but is normally seen around the small of the back. The rash bleeds when disturbed and discharges extremely foul-smelling pus. In the latter part of S2, subjects begin to notice blood in their excriment. The subject's appetite is also depressed. At this stage, being treated and cured is still possible.

Stage 3 (S3) is where infected persons begin to cough and vomit blood. Upon coughing, the subject usually sprays about 4 ounces from the mouth, and it usually travels 10 feet from the mouth, making transferrance common. The rash that started in S2 usually dissipates for a short while. Being cured at this stage is impossible.

Stage 4 (S4) is where the rash once again appears, this time stronger. Skin in the afflicted area falls off leaving an extremely sore open wound. It oozes pus and blood constantly and never closes up. The body begins shutting down at this stage, and most infected subjects are rendered unable to move and are usually bedridden. There in no hope of being treated or cured at this stage.

Stage 5 (S5) is the final stage. The body begins losing massive quantities of blood from projectile vomiting. The body eventually shuts down completely and the infected subject will die. There is considerable pain associated with this stage. The entire body becomes one large open sore.

Death occurs within 12 hours of Stage 2.

Cure & Treatment

The only cure is Antigen 107X-R. If administered during Stage 1 or Stage 2, the subject has a 61% chance of survival. Treatment consists of administering heavy painkillers and sedatives. Often, the subject is put into a chemical-induced coma to prevent the subject from being mobile and spreading the virus. Sometimes, the only to stop the pain is to end the subject's life. Most Stage 3+ subjects are killed to prevent the spread of the virus.

Weaponization

The Asgarnian Armed Forces plans to weaponize the virus, giving it the designation BW-297. It is to be used in bombs and ICBM's.