Bruising Sickness
Symptoms
Bruising sickness is a disease which causes the blood vessels to become very thin and weak. Slight pressure against the skin will break vessels, causing the area to bruise severely. Unfortunately, these bruises will not heal without treatment, as the blood vessels themselves have become too far compromised to regenerate. Weakness, dizziness, and numbness in the extremities sets in within days of contracting the disease.
Without treatment, bruising sickness will ultimately end in death. Even those who are treated in time can have such irreparable damage to their limbs that they must be amputated.
Cause
Bruising sickness is passed on by a tiny parasite called the Blood Beetle (not a true beetle). The saliva of these parasites carries the virus, and will be passed on to anyone who gets bitten. Fortunately, blood beetles are relatively rare throughout Izarn, native only to Balada and the surrounding areas.
Treatment and Prevention
Avoid exposing skin in Balada! While the blood beetle parasite is quite capable of burrowing through fur and skin to get to the blood beneath, it is much more difficult for them if the individual is protected by clothing or armor. Blood beetles are especially likely to attack the ears, where skin is thin, but enough warmth is still generated to sustain them.
If you find a blood beetle has taken nest on you, they must be burned away immediately. The longer the blood beetle is present, the higher the chances are that you'll contract the bruising sickness. Have a professional check your fur and skin for additional parasites, and take some antibiotics as soon as possible.
Prevention is much easier than curing the virus. There is only one known vaccine available for the bruising sickness, and it must be administered within 48 hours of contracting the disease, or the blood vessels will be too broken to pass the vaccine along. Even if administered in the correct time, the vaccine only has a 60% success rate. Antibiotics, vitamins, and a healthy diet can aid in the healing process, should the vaccine work. It can take months to heal from the bruising virus, and any undue strain can cause it to flare again. It is best to rest as much as possible until the virus is completely flushed from your system.