Vampiric Virology (Vampirism as a virus)


Vampires are humans who have been infected with a complex, symbiotic virus that rewrites the genetic code of every nucleus in the body, resulting in countless alterations to their biological makeup. Changes in their brain chemistry and digestive system cause them to hunger for the blood of uninfected humans, and they will commit unspeakably violent acts to get it. They are also known for their enhanced physical capabilities, longevity and averse reaction to bright light and UV rays.
In 1616, Italian scientist Ludovico Fatinelli published his Treatise on Vampires, in which he speculated that vampirism was caused by a microscopic pathogen, as opposed to demonic possession and other such myths. Tragically, he was burned at the stake for heresy, but his research lived on to inspire countless dedicated men and women to bring you the information included on this page.

The Virus
The source of vampirism is the human vampirism virus (HVV). Like rabies, HVV has a distinct bullet shape and belongs to the order Mononegavirales—viruses with a nonsegmented, negative-stranded RNA genome. The virus' natural host is a flea commonly found on cave-dwelling bats—most notably the vampire bat. In the most common scenario, the flea bites a bat, which in-turn passes the virus on to humans and other mammals.
While most viruses are highly specific in what tissues they target, HVV is able to infect every living cell in the body, with the exception of red blood cells (which are replaced over time by the infected bone marrow). It's also much less destructive, as it can effectively transform tissues without killing them.

In theory, HVV infection is possible through any exchange of bodily fluids; however, transmission occurs through the bite of an infected person or animal in virtually every case. Thankfully, the virus isn't airborne.

Stage One: Infection. Within six to twelve hours of exposure, the victim develops a headache, fever, chills and other flu-like symptoms, as well as a drastic increase in metabolism and heart rate as the virus spreads throughout the body. These symptoms can be easily confused with more common infections, although the presence of bite marks is usually enough to confirm the diagnosis. This stage generally lasts another six to twelve hours, during which the vaccine is 99 percent effective. The victim should also be treated with fluids and antibiotics.

Stage Two: Coma.Within 24 hours of exposure, the victim will slip into a vampiric coma. About 12 hours into this phase, the pulse slows, breathing is shallow and the pupils are dilated. Thousands have been buried alive because of this. While it is commonly thought that anyone infected with HVV turns into a vampire, in fact only a small percentage of people survive vampiric comas. Generally, the young, old and feeble never come out of their comas and eventually die, while the vast majority of survivors are males between the ages of 18 to 35. Vampiric comas last about a day, and usually end the night after their onset. The vaccine is roughly 50 percent effective when administered during Stage Two of the infection: the longer the victim has been in the coma, the less effective the vaccine.

Stage Three: Transformation. An HVV victim who survives the coma will awaken fully transformed into a vampire. An acclimation period follows, characterized by confusion, despondency and paranoia, accompanied by the pain of dehydration and malnutrition. Most vampires begin to hunt within 24 hours of transformation. The vaccine is of no use at this point, as all virus activity has gone dormant.
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0 | Feb 26th 2015 20:46