UNKNOWN RETROVIRUS OF FELINE ORIGIN IN MADAGASCAR REGION
2027 SITUATION REPORT OF THE INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TEAM
- Dr Andry Rajoelina
The IMCD continues to assist local healthcare staff with the immediate establishment of triage and medical care tents, as well as advising military authorities on lockdown protocol. It is imperative the infected not escape the city limits. Whatever this thing is, clearly it poses a grave threat to the integrity of the human genome should it succeed in spreading beyond this island to become a global concern.
Symptoms
Initial symptoms are lethargy and chills, with the infected seeking warm places to sleep. Rash and itching follows, particularly of the scalp and the base of the spine. The infected skin thickens and swells as cartilaginous structures form beneath, until the eruption of tall, triangular 'ears' from the top of the head and a partially motile, tail-like protrusion from the coccyx, which grows to full size (2 to 3 feet) over several days. Hair growth varies. In some, only the ears and tail are affected, while others have their entire body covered in a layer of short, thick fur.
We have yet to encounter an infected man. So far it appears isolated to women.
RNA Analysis
The initial theory that we're dealing with a retrovirus seems increasingly likely, though sequencing the viral element is proving evasive, largely due to the sheer quantity of non-viral genes piggybackying alongside the virus. Data attached. As you can see, 99% of the genes appear feline derived, as if the virus gathered them from a previous host and is now inserting them into every new cell it infects. This leads me to believe we're dealing with a zoonotic disease that has just recently made the jump from cats to humans, which marries with the epidemiology of the initial cases.
Classification
My team have taken to terming the virus Felinoid Unknown Retrovirus-27. I do not appreciate their levity in their choice of acronyms; unfortunately this name appears to have stuck and been echoed to the media. It is what it is.