Vampirious perpetuous

Vampirious perpetuous is an incurable, non-fatal disease that primarily affects humans. Its symptoms are mostly commonplace to that of vampires in folklore.

Vampirious perpetuous is poorly understood due to what little coverage that is present of it.

Vampirious perpetuous does not have any methods of treatment that can reduce its progression.

Only ~500 cases were estimated to have ever occurred, and it is unknown what the whereabouts are of the infected.

Signs and symptoms

Vampirious perpetuous is generally split into three stages, with each showing a progressive pattern of bloodthirst and physical alteration. These three stages are named based on severity: early-stage (mild), middle-stage (moderate), and late-stage (severe). Its stages can also be labeled by the Five Stages of Grief. Some of the symptoms are constant symptoms (which are ones that are not affected by the progression of Vampirious perpetuous), while others are variable symptoms (which appear or gain severity as the disease progresses).

Stages

Early Stage - The Realization of a Twist - Denial

"The individual usually either doesn't realize or refuses to realize that they're infected with Vampirious perpetuous. As such, they try to continue with their normal lives, only to notice that something is off-putting. When they're outside, they feel scared for no known reason and they get a strange feeling on their skin, eventually magnifying up to feeling like burning. This triggers the natural reaction of 'go hide in some shade' to ease the pain. When safety was found, their first thought was to look at their exposed skin. They refused to admit it, but it looked lighter than usual. It's only a matter of time before things get stranger..."

The early stage is often characterized by a refusal to accept what changed about the individual's body. This stage also has minimal personality change in it. They have yet to know that it will worsen over time. This stage usually lasts for as short as one year to as long as five years.

Middle Stage - Dissolution of Soul - Anger & Bargaining

"The individual notices that things are changing right before their eyes, often leaving them behind in confusion and distrust. Each part that used to look familiar gets ripped apart at the seams, making them feel increasingly introverted. They notice they're getting many more looks from nearby people, often leading them to isolation to escape fear. In these times, their source of comfort is blood, often obtained from small mammals or other beings that dared to invade their personal space."

Confusion from rapid change is common, leading to frustration and anger. Amidst the chaos, infected individuals often seek towards sources of blood because their gastrointestinal tract and urinary system alter quickly at this stage. This is also one of the highest stimulation periods in the entirety of the progression of the disease. Spewing of blood is common at this stage due to the high stimulation. As such, individuals will attempt to bargain with what tools they have to sustain themselves. The most personality change can be experienced here. Although most of the changes occur within one to two months, it can take years for the alteration to complete.

Late Stage - Complete Bloodlust - Depression & Acceptance

"The individual suffers a panic attack at the start of this stage, eventually leading to depression. 'Will this ever be over?' is repeated over and over again in the mind. However, aside from the pale skin, bloodshot eyes, and the occasional will to bite an animal for its blood, they feel that most of the pain is gone. At long last, a breakthrough can be made. 'What happened, happened. Might as well embrace it.' shouts outward in powerful waves, and they feel the will to go back into society again."

At this point, the individual's only need for liquid consumption is for that of blood. Their body has been altered beyond repair, but at least the hard part is over. They are most certainly capable of reintegrating into society, but it is still suggested not to invade their personal space. If one does invade their personal space, then they will be bitten and will have the disease. The late stage lasts for the rest of the infected individual's lifetime.

Symptoms

Constant symptoms

These symptoms are usually present from the beginning of infection to the death of the individual. These symptoms include:

Variable symptoms

These symptoms either strengthen, appear in later stages, or disappear throughout the duration of the disease.

Spread

Vampirious perpetuous is commonly spread via a bite from an infected individual spreading the disease into the bloodstream, but the disease bacteria can be ingested or inhaled and it would yield the same effect.

Prevention

To prevent the infection from spreading, one will need to keep out of arms reach from any infected individual, or otherwise they will risk being bitten. Aside from infected individuals, avoid food with red spots on it (mostly bread) as that contains the disease.

An image with a caption can be provided below:

An infected girl, 15 years old. This photo was taken very recently.