Dusk Infection

Dusk infection is a disease caused by the inhalation of a Dusk cloud or contact with a Dusk seed.

Inhalation
Dusk clouds do not vary in density, so their effects can be easily measured by volume. As little as 6 liter's of Dusk can result in loss of consciousness and irreversible mind-altering effects. This means that just a few shallow breaths, or one or two deep breaths, can be fatal. It is the recommendation of the UHM's Anti-Dusk Division that you do not inhale at all if a Dusk cloud is nearby.

Inhaling the thick yellow gas that makes up the primary body of the galactic scourge is very dangerous and should never be attempted at any volume due to the physical effects listed below.

Seeds
Dusk seeds are small particles, about the size of a pea, that float in Dusk clouds. They are connected to each other by thin membranes usually about 1- 1.5 meters long, but these membranes can stretch and move like muscles. The seeds can move up to 10 meters outside of a Dusk cloud while remaining connected to the Dusk network. Seed's purpose is not well understood, but they can easily fling themselves towards living victims and penetrate the skin. Seed's are very hard and attack with such a high speed that they can penetrate armor and clothing like a bullet. Once under the skin, the membranes they are connected to begin pumping Dusk into the bloodstream. It takes less than 30 seconds for a seed to pump enough Dusk into an average sized human to render them unconscious. It is the recommendation of the Anti-Dusk Division that all humans carry official seed plungers or regular knives on their person to extract seeds immediately. This is often a difficult task, because of the physical effects listed below.

Physical Effects of Dusk Infection
The effects of Dusk infection can be felt immediately. As the alien enters the bloodstream, it passes the blood-brain barrier almost instantly. The foreign invader will activate all dopamine receptors constantly causing almost over-powering euphoria and pleasure. Then, as the Dusk settles into the brain, the euphoria fades over the next 10-20 minutes and breathing air becomes painful. After half an hour or less, breathing air becomes excruciatingly painful. Both of these factors contribute to an all-consuming desire to breathe in more Dusk gas to bring back the pleasure and end the pain. This, however, is always fatal. The pain will subside after about 12 hours as the Dusk is killed by the immune system's ADWB cells.