Malas

Malas (Youzi: Dovra, Bukk: Gōynoh) is a tropical illness, observed in central-northern areas of the Continent and endemic in an area between Tother and Romber rivers. It affects humans and other animals.

Believed by modern researchers to be caused by an insect, a fly or a a mosquito, malas causes symptoms of fever, tiredness and profuse sweating, that can cause fatal levels of dehydration. Acute phase of the illness typically lasts a week. Main harm, however, is caused by complications of the disease, that can cause blindness, paralysis of the limbs or secondary malas, which is usually more severe. Complications usually resurface 2-6 weeks after the acute phase and tend to occur suddenly. It is generally thought that if no symptoms recur 2 months after the initial infection, the person is safe. The fatality of the illness is estimated at 10-20%, but could be as high as 40% in cases when proper care is not administered.

In most cases people that have survived malas develop immunity, although immunity is thought to not be life-long and reinfections have been documented. Immunity is stronger if a person gets and survives secondary malas.

The illness has greatly influenced the religious beliefs of peoples in the north. The Great Turtle believed in Dovra-lum, a god sent to punish human misdeeds. A malas survivor was considered to be cleansed. Only survivors of the disease could become priests.