Note: Apologies for any grammatical errors.
I have been working on a story of mine for quite a while now. A part of that story is a viral pathogen that turns people infected with it into what is basically analogous to 'fast zombies'
The following is a quick rundown of the details I have come up with:
1. Types of immunity:
A) Cannot be infected through inhalation of virus aerosols. Can only be infected by getting bitten or spat in the face (high virus concentration; entering through mucous membranes). Will be referred to as Group A or Alpha for simplicity's sake from now on.
B) Can be infected through inhalation of virus aerosols as well as the other vectors mentioned above. Will be referred to as Group B or Beta for simplicity's sake from now on.
2. Modes of Transmission:
When the virus is introduced into the body through a bite from an infected, it travels from the site of the bite to the brain by moving within the nervous system. As mentioned, exposure can also occur through inhalation of aerosolized virus at high concentrations through mucous membranes (Group B). As the virus is not bloodborne, it cannot be transmitted via blood spatter.
3. Stages of infection:
Airborne infection:
- Subject is infected.
- After virus has moved past mucosal epithelial barriers, it establishes infection in oropharyngeal or small bowel lymphoid tissues. Virus then travels through the body until it reaches the brain. This process can last approximately 1 to 2 weeks. During this period the subjects has no outwardly noticeable symptoms. However, infection of other Beta subjects is already possible.```
- Subject can develop a cough associated with a sore throat. Headaches can also manifest during this time. Subject also becomes irritable during this time.
- Subject starts to present further noticeable symptoms. Symptoms can include: Unusually heavy discharge of nasal mucus fluid; red, irritated, and bloodshot eyes.
- Overproduction of saliva from salivary glands (Week 2 - 3)
- Subject begins to show extreme aggression toward uninfected persons
Infection through bite:
- Virus is introduced into the body through a bite from an infected,
- Virus travels from the site of the bite to the brain by moving within the nervous system
- Stages 3 - 6 are largely the same, with the biggest difference being shorter incubation period
Overall average incubation period from infection to to full onset of the disease:
- Airborne: 3 - 4 Weeks:
- Bitten: 6 - 20 Days