Details on the infection.

[Dnafein]

Origin: The original source of the infection is unknown; Though theories abound. Some in Great Britain believe it is a mutated strain of the Mad Cow Disease. Meanwhile there are areas in the United States that believe it was a government weapon that they lost control of. There are of course theories of aliens, ghosts and religious punishments. A number of tribes have legends generations old that speak of the walking dead.

What is known is that the infection had reached epidemic status long before the outbreak became public. This is evident in the massive amount of attacks that happened in a short period of time globally. It is hard to believe that in an age offering easy access to most information that such a thing could happen. However in a retrospective consideration the rational explanations assigned to the initial attacks were enough to disguise the growing threat.

Symptoms: While the symptoms are always the same there are some differences in the amount of time taken before they show. There are theories on how to slow the spread of the infection through the body. Unfortunately, none of these theories have proven consistent. The following times are an estimated average; Again however these times are not 100% accurate.

Spoiler: Timetable after infection. 

HOUR 1: Pain and bruising at the site of infection*; Wound quickly clots.
HOUR 5: Flu like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue.
HOUR 9: Minor loss of motor function, impaired speech, confusion/dementia. Patient may appear drunk.
HOUR 10: Increased violence, impaired cognitive thought.
HOUR 12: Loss of cognitive thought, extreme violence; At this time patient is extremely contagious. They should be considered incredibly dangerous.
HOUR 108^: Loss of consciousness; Coma.
HOUR 114: Heart stoppage; Death.
HOUR 120: Reanimation.

*Provided infection came from an injury.
^This timeframe is based on the infected surviving to this point; Should the infected “die” reanimation begins within 6 hours.

Transmission: The infection is spread through bodily fluids. Saliva and blood being the usual transferal method. The smallest exposure results in infection, the source appears to spread quickly. The infection can not be spread through the ingestion of infected material (given the ingestor has no open sores in their mouth.) However the infected material is highly toxic.

Interspecies infection has remained unwitnessed. It is believed the same aspect of the infection that turns toxic when ingested prevents the infection from taking hold in animal life. Additionally most animals seem capable of detection the infected, and attempt to avoid them. Long term effects remain unknown; Especially on life forms that survive on carrion.

Stages: The infection in truth has three stages. Though typically two are recognized as components of the infection; As the initial stage shares symptoms similar to the flu. The stages related to the infection will be discussed below.

Spoiler: Stage 1 

Those in this stage of the infection are almost indiscernible visually from an uninfected individual. There is typically little to no visible injury and minimal physical decay. They appear to be nothing more than malnourished, dirty and unkempt at first glance. Continued observation however exposes what they are.

Their motor skills have deteriorated to the point where anything beyond a simple weapon is unusable. They are incredibly violent and their attention should not be attracted. They are capable of bursts of speed and may tire after excessive physical exertion.

Physically they are as fragile as the uninfected; And can be “killed” in a similar manner.

Spoiler: Stage 2 

The majority of the infected in this stage are identifiable with a cursory examination. There is typically some sign of decay or injury visible. They move slowly and with little coordination. They do not tire, and ignore most injuries. Only destroying the brainstem can put an infected patient down permanently.

While the bodies that reach this stage do decay, the process is severely impaired. It’s suspected that the infection somehow impedes the microorganisms that enable decomposition.