The 2040 Plague.

 

Alien Invasion.

One of the worst fears of Humanity came true in 2040. The outbreak of an alien virus on Earth. Scientists had long talked about the possibility. Strategic planners had included it in the disasters play book. But the simple truth was, we were not ready for it.

Early in 2040, in Brazil there was a sudden outbreak of an illness that seemed like an aggressive flu. The World Health Organization responded as usual, installing a local quarantine and examining the illness. They soon discovered that it was not a normal type of virus. "There is an 80% probability that it is extra terrestrial." The report announced to the UN.

 

 The plague spread was fast, but fortunately the death rate low around 3%. A world wide travel restriction soon went into affect, which extended to all space facilities. Meanwhile WHO tried to track down the origin of the virus. Unlike the last major pandemic, this time quarantine rules came in hard and fast, with no exemptions. Travel and trade between nations came to a halt. Even with in nations movement was seriously restricted. Unfortunately similar cases were reported in 3 other countries.

Patient 0 was discovered to be a colonist from Tau Ceti E, who had returned home. He was detained and examined, the doctors found him to be in good health, but carried the virus. Almost immediately public outcry was raised over the lack of effective screening for spacers returning to earth. Dr. Furgus Worrysom went on the news to say “I told you so.” as he had numerous times criticized the safe guards that were used, in addition to questioning the entire process of exploring and colonizing alien worlds. Meanwhile WHO tracked down everyone who had been in contact with Patient 0.

The ship he had been on was the Sunday Pyjamas, and it was docked at Gateway Station. The crew having dispersed for their month long leave, were mostly in India. Of course Gateway itself had to be quarantined and everyone who had passed through it, tracked down too.

At first people were cooperative and accepting of the seriousness of the situation. But as days turned into weeks, the regions who were unaffected got back to business and soon were demanding a general reopening of trade & travel. There was argument over suspected vs confirmed case numbers and death counts. But one thing was clear, there was no cure or immunization. The virus was air born and highly contagious.

Patient 0 was subjected to rigorous testing. While a research ship was sent to Tau Ceti E, with a team of doctors who would look into the illness over there. Naturally all regular travel to that star system was suspended. The colonists reported; “About 1 year ago there had been a nasty flu season with a few deaths, but it was no big deal.” Days of questioning and testing reviled to the investigation team that everyone on TC-E carried the virus. The mystery was; why was it more lethal on Earth than it had been on TC-E?

By the end of 2040, the plague had spread to many nations, despite ever increasing travel restrictions. Those countries with no cases played the isolationist card and played it hard. The infected countries, having experienced a 3% mortality rate that shot up to 30% as the health care systems were stretched past their braking points, demanded help.