Fluoretodes (Neosites, Glowbites)

Type: Parasite

Location: Neon Lake

Signs and Symptoms

Early Symptoms (Stage 1) of a Fluoretode infection include

• Faint bioluminescent spots appearing on the surface of the host's skin
• Host saliva fluoresces (multiple colors) under ultraviolet light
• Mild feelings of general fatigue and weakness
• Increased appetite

Later Symptoms (Stage 2) of a Fluoretode infection include

• Intense bioluminescent spots appearing on the surface of the host's skin in large numbers
• Major feelings of general fatigue and weakness

Advanced Symptoms (Stage 3) of a Fluoretode infection include

• Host saliva fluoresces (multiple colors) without ultraviolet light
• Extreme fatigue, weakness
• Muscle atrophy
• Anemia
• Malnutrition

Diagnosis

The presence of Fluoretodes is rather easy to diagnose in non-scaled, non-feathered individuals. As the parasites eat away at the host's body, they leave a visible bioluminescent (glowing) mark just below the surface of the host's skin. In the early stages of a Fluoretode infection, these glowing marks are difficult to see, so searching the body in total darkness is recommended.

If the host has fur, feathers or other covering over their skin, their saliva should be screened under an ultraviolet light. If their saliva reacts by glowing multiple colors, they have a Fluoretode infection.

Transmission

Fluoretodes are a microscopic parasite which exist in the waters surrounding Gloam, mainly in Neon Lake. These parasites live in the mud at the bottom of Neon Lake and eat other microscopic animals, and as they do so they emit a glow which gives Neon Lake its name.

When fish (typically bottom feeders) ingest the glowing mud that contain these parasites, the parasites take up residence in that fish and will eventually cause that fish to glow brilliant colors. These fish are popular, and are called Glowfish. When an individual eats an improperly cooked Glowfish, the parasites move to that individual.

Risk of Exposure

Individuals who eat improperly cooked Glowfish are at high risk of a Fluoretode infection.

Individuals who swim along the bottom of Neon Lake and ingest the glowing mud found there are at high risk of a Fluoretode infection.

Prevention

The parasite is fragile, and dies when exposed to temperatures over 140 Fahrenheit or under -4 Fahrenheit, or when exposed to intense ultraviolet light for more than five seconds.

Properly prepare your Glowfish before you eat it, or if dining out, make sure the establishment does not have a history of causing foodborne illness.

If swimming along the bottom of Neon Lake, wear a respirator or other mouth-covering filtration device, and abstain from eating the glowing mud.

Most individuals never have to worry about a Fluoretode infection, as restaurants near Neon Lake know about the dangers of undercooked Glowfish. And, as Neon Lake is quite deep, most individuals will never swim along the bottom. If by chance they do, the prospect of eating glowing mud is generally not an attractive one.

Treatment

Fluoretode infection can be treated at any stage with Paristall, a medicine stocked at most pharmacies. Simply increase the dose to reflect the severity of infection.

If Paristall or one of its generic versions cannot be found, a Fluoretode infection can be cured by a magic user well-versed in Light magic. Since the parasites die in the presence of ultraviolet light, any spell that illuminates the host's body from within with ultraviolet light for more than five seconds will rid the host of its Fluoretode infection.

As another alternative, enchanting Alchemaster Serendipitee's "Liquid Light" with an ultraviolet spell before drinking it will also cure a Fluoretode infection.

Prognosis

If treated in Stages 1 or 2, the feelings of fatigue and weakness will usually disappear in under a week, as will the bioluminescent spots and UV-reactive saliva.

If treated in Stage 3, only the bioluminescent spots and saliva will disappear in under a week. The fatigue, weakness, muscle atrophy and anemia were caused by the parasites eating away at the host's body as well as robbing it of vital nutrients. Muscle and nerve damage are usually present in a Stage 3 Fluoretode infection, and physical or magical therapy is necessary to fully recover.

Text by Marl