Pathogen Cards


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NIPAH

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Taxonomy

A morbillavirus of the Paramyxoviridae family, -ssRNA, enveloped, helical, 18 nm diameter

Power

Nipah has a high power level. Classified as a BSL-4 pathogen

Offenses

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Attacks:

The virus attacks the central nervous systems of the host.

Outcome:

Nipah virus infection causes febrile encephalitis and aseptic meningitis. Death will occur in 39% of cases.

Speed

A relativiely quick virus, clinical manifestations of Nipah infection occur shortly after handling infected pigs.

Defenses

A preventitive defense can be taken by killing pigs suspected of being infectious.

Game Action

Player must roll around in the mud with a pig with the "one-mile cough." As a result of "infection" the player becomes easily confused and for the round played subsequent to infection the player must do the opposite of the game actions proposed on the cards. Finally, since Nipah causes death in 39% of cases, the third person to draw this card must leave the game.




BK

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Taxonomy

A polyomavirus of the Papovaviridae family, dsDNA, circular genome, naked, icosahedral, 40-45nm diameter

Power

Power level is low in healthy children in whom the viral infection is subclinical or produces mild respiratory disease.
Power level is high in immunocompromised hosts. Immunosuppression reactivates BK virus replication and is linked to hemorrhagic cystis in bone marrow transplants.

Offenses

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Attacks:

The virus attacks the B-lymphocytes of the host. The host is attacked by respiratory transmission.

Outcome:

In healthy individuals BK produces no clinical outcome or mild respiratory disease. In immunosuppressed individuals the virus can lead to hemorrhagic cystis, ureteral stenosis and some urinary tract illnesses.ic meningitis.

Speed

A slow virus, BK establishes latent infections in B-lymphocytes and attacks an immunosuppressed host upon reactivation.

Defenses

There are no known defenses!!!!!!!

Game Action

As an opportunistic infection, if the subsequent viral card produces a primary infection the player will come down with hemorrhagic cystis and kidney injury. As a result, the player will have to skip a turn and wait until their immune system recovers to mount and effective immune response.




RABIES

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Taxonomy

A member of the Rhabdoviridae family, -ssRNA, enveloped, helical, 75 nm wide, 180 nm long

Power

The highest powered virus. 100% lethality in disease presenting hosts.

Offenses

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Attacks:

The virus uses a violent method of attack by employing a rabid animal to bite the host. The virus attacks the central nervous system of the host.

Outcome:

Infection initially produces fever and malaise followed by hyperactivity, aggression, convulsion and change in behavior. Paralysis typically occurs and death eventually results.

Speed

A slow virus. Clinical manifestations typically occur 14-90 days after infection but can also occur up to 6 years later.

Defenses

Vaccines:


A post-exposure rabies vaccine can be given after infection.

Behavioral:


Attack can be prevented by keeping distance from rabid animals.

Treatment:


The wound should be washed with soap and water and a post-exposure vaccination should be administered followed by an immunoglobulin treatment in individuals who have not been previously vaccinated.

Game Action

After drawing this card the player must wait two rounds before he/she becomes "rabid." During this round player can infect any other player of choice. The initial infected player is subject to the lethality of the virus and must leave the game. All players infected by the player who drew will not have to leave the game but will have to skip two rounds.




HHV-6B

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Taxonomy

A member of the Herpesviridae family, dsDNA, enveloped, icosahedral, 150 nm diameter

Power

Fever and rash inducing

Offenses

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Attacks:

The virus attacks CD4+ T lymphocytes, macrophages and salivary glands.

Outcome:

HHV-6B infection causes high fever, irritability, malaise and roseola-like rash.

Speed

A quick virus. There is a sudden onset of fever and rash appears two days later.

Defenses

Vaccines:


None currently

Behavioral:


Attack can be prevented by practicing good hygiene and avoiding kissing infected individuals.

Treatment:


The infection can be treated with the drugs ganiciclovir and foscarnet.

Game Action

Player gets to pick a card. If it is the virus on that card produces and exanthem then the player gets a second turn




DENGUE 2

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Taxonomy

A member of the Flaviviridae family, +ssRNA, enveloped, icosahedral, 40-50 nm diameter

Power

A high powered virus. Dengue is the most important human arbovirus. Worldwide, 2 million people are at risk of infection.

Offenses

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Attacks:

The virus attacks the central nervous systems of the host.

Outcome:

Dengue 2 causes encephalitis and/or a fever, rash and arthritis. Hemorrhagic fever is possible.

Speed

Sudden onset of fever, chills and pain.

Defenses

Vaccines:


A live attenuated vaccine for serotypes 1-4 is undergoing clinical trails.

Behavioral:


Bug repellent can be used for mosquito control!

Treatment:


The sypmtoms can be treated with Tylenol for the fever and pain.

Game Action

Upon drawing this card the player has been bitten by Aedes aegypti, falls ill and thus must go back two spaces.




VACCINIA

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Taxonomy

A member of the Poxviridae family, dsDNA, linear, complex morphology

Power

Awesome power! Was used for smallpox vaccination and eradication.

Offenses

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Attacks:

The virus attacks the skin tissue.

Outcome:

The virus can cause possible lesions on the skin and slight malaise.

Speed

Typically subclinical, when symptoms occur they appear very quickly.

Defenses

Vaccines:


This is the virus strain that was used in the live attenuated vaccine for small pox.

Behavioral:


Infection by vaccinia can be prevented by avoiding direct contact with the lesions of an infected person.

Treatment:


The sypmtoms can be treated.

Game Action

This virus helped to eradicate small pox, so you're ahead of the game! Move forward five spaces!