What is Chaakoo'k Daakriin?
CD is a viral disease carried by small prey animals and pests.
It is passed through bodily fluids and one of the rarest and
most deadly diseases known to katkind. CD occurs when a kat or minena eats
or is bitten by a carrier of the virus. It attacks the central
nervous system first before moving on to muscles and finally
blood vessels.
What are the symptoms?
Chaakoo'k Daakriin starts almost immediate insanity and
sensitivity. The slightest touch can cause pain which slowly
becomes worse as time goes on. Eventually, the kat/minena is so
sensitive to stimuli - light, touch, even scent - that it's
often too painful to move. The muscles are then attacked,
leaving behind polio-like symptoms. The virus then changes
its course completely and attacks the blood vessel walls,
usually resulting in hemmorhaging within three days. Much
like ebola, the blood leaks sluggishly from the nostrils,
eyes, mouth, ears, and other openings in the skin.
What causes it?
CD is a virus carried by small animals. Nightcreepers, vescrowes,
and occasionally mouse ru are the usual carriers, giving the
latter two quite a reputation for disease-bringing. However, one
must wonder if chaakoo'k daakriin developed naturally or if
another creature - a kat or minena, maybe - was involved, because it's rare
for viruses to attack multiple areas.
How is it spread?
CD is only caused when a kat/minena eats or is bitten by one of the
carriers - or another contaminated kat/minena. The virus is not
airborn, but close contact with the bodily fluids of a victim
can cause the disease. Eventually, death occurs as little as
a week after the infection.
Where is it found?
Wherever there are nightcreepers or vescrowe, there might be
chaakoo'k daakriin... which is just about everywhere on Tryne.
How can it be prevented?
Avoiding pests can prevent the disease, but larger prey animals
can be contaminated by the carriers. Any creature on Tryne is
susceptible, but few CD-carrying nightcreepers and vescrowe exist.
Eating any prey animal has its risks, particularly if it's found
dead instead of taken down. Avoid animals, kats or minena that seem to
be acting oddly - even contaminated kats/minena are not above biting.
How is it treated?
There is no treatment for CD. If a kat/minena in a clan or village
is contaminated, the response of the others is usually to
exile it to avoid spreading the disease. There are no stories
of any kats or minena surviving this rare disease, though it might be
possible if one is in the company of several gold kats.
What are your chances of getting it?
There's a very slim chance of anyone catching CD... 1 out of 50,
maybe. The best way to make sure you aren't infected, though, is
to avoid known carriers and any prey that acts strangely.
Contributed by Cheshire
