What is Saax-Eek?
Saax-Eek, more commonly referred to as "Green ear," its literal
translation, is a usually mild ear mitelike disease found in warm,
dry climates. The disease got its descriptive nickname from the
purple tinge inside the ear which turns to a green infection if
treated improperly. It is usually only found in ears, as parts of
it aren't covered by fur, making for easy access for small insects.
What are the symptoms?
The greenish, rashlike tinge in the ear is most the most
well-known symptom of Saax-Eek. Other symptoms include painful
itching and occasionally swelling which can lead to infection
if treated improperly. The infection can then spread to the
inner ear, leading to loss of hearing or insanity. Any
progression past the rash is very rare, however.
What causes it?
Chemicals in the saliva of a variety of gnat cause the itching
and rash, much like a mosquito bite. If left alone, the rash will
usually go away. If it is itched continuously it will progress to
the more dangerous stages, such as infection and deafness.
How is it spread?
Saax-Eek cannot be spread from kat to kat. Contamination
only occurs when bit by the insect that carries the chemicals.
Where is it found?
The gnats that carry the disease are found in hot, dry climates
such as plains, deserts, and occasionally forests. The insects
burrow into loose earth to lay their eggs, making sandy deserts
a perfect climate. They can survive with surprisingly little
moisture, relying on the blood of various animals for nourishment.
The gnats usually attack ears due to the thinner fur there, though
they do occasionally cause rashes in other parts of the body.
However, only ear bites are dangerous.
How can it be prevented?
Certain lotions available in various villages and within most
Desert or Plains clans can be rubbed on the ears to keep the
gnats away, much like mosquito sprays. Other than that, there's
very little you can do to avoid occasional rashes. Infection
can be avoided by not scratching the site of the rash.
Further irritation of the already sensitive skin could lead to
the more dangerous versions of Saax-Eek.
How is it treated?
Once again, the best treatment is to _leave the rash alone_ and
Saax-Eek will take care of itself. Various concoctions carried
by some healers can ease the itching, and the infection can
usually be stopped by healers (such as golds) if one happens
to be handy. More often than not in more isolated areas, healers
aren't common. This can't be stressed enough - infection can be
prevented by simply not touching the rash, as hard as that can be.
What are your chances of getting it?
Saax-Eek rashes are not uncommon, but the advanced stages are
much more rare. One in five cases reach the infection, and one
in ten of those actually go deaf or insane. Saax-Eek can
definitely be considered a mild disease, and not a dangerous
one at all as long as you take care of yourself.
Contributed by Cheshire
