disease

Serpent Syndrome

An infectious disease resulting from skin infections caused by the fungus hyacinthum petasum. The fungus is typical for eastern and southern provinces; cases of infection in the Empire's north are unknown. Presumably, the fungus affects impoverished people weakened by malnutrition. However, native steppe peoples seem to possess a certain immunity to this fungus. Northerners moving to steppe provinces lack such immunity and are more frequently affected. The disease starts with localized skin lesions that can later cover a significant portion of the patient's skin. Untreated cases lead to exhaustion, digestive system disorders, and damage to mucous membranes. All discharges from infected individuals are contagious, and patients require isolation and care with enhanced nutrition.