Levodian Flu outbreak spreads across Earth

OREGON, EARTH — An unusually aggressive strain of the Levodian Flu has surfaced on Earth, prompting Starfleet Medical to issue an urgent public health advisory.

Doctors warn that a particularly virulent and dangerous version of the flu has arrived on Earth and is rapidly spreading across the North American continent, prompting quarantines in hospitals from southern Oregon to Vancouver, British Columbia. Further quarantines are expected across the Western states in the coming days as the outbreak grows.

This marks the first outbreak of the virus in over a decade and is already showing signs of becoming one of the most dangerous on Earth since 2320, when over 1,400 people died—mostly in Western Europe—including a dozen at Starfleet Academy’s Paris campus. More than a dozen people have already succumbed to the flu in the past two weeks.

Symptoms of Levodian Flu include high fever, nasal congestion, severe chest congestion, headaches, body aches, and fatigue—all of which tend to worsen over the course of a week, peaking around ten days after infection before subsiding in those who recover. Infants and senior citizens are at the highest risk of serious secondary infections and potentially life-threatening complications.

Those exhibiting these symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately and avoid contact with others. The public is also urged to wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus.

All medical centres on Earth have received the viral profile of the flu and have been instructed to transport confirmed cases to designated flu care treatment centres, most located on the African continent. These facilities offer excess medical capacity and some of the Federation’s most advanced quarantine systems.

Although many strains of influenza have been eradicated, Levodian Flu has remained a persistent threat since it crossed into human populations. The virus evolves rapidly, rendering all current antiviral treatments ineffective. At present, treating symptoms and quarantining infected individuals remain the only available responses.

“This particular strain of Levodian Flu is a new variant of the virus,” said Doctor Jonas Tinneman of Starfleet Medical at a press conference outside Portland Central Clinic. “While we are working on a vaccine and a cure, we do not expect to succeed before the end of flu season in March. Anyone who begins to feel feverish should report to the nearest medical facility for diagnosis. As always, everyone on Earth can expect fast, efficient care.”

Visiting Klingon physician Kosh g’gak’Maj, part of an exchange program with Qo’noS General Hospital, offered contrary medical advice: “Humans should be drinking more bloodwine, not mild targ milk. Bloodwine is a key element of warrior fitness.”

The medical board overseeing the exchange program is reviewing these comments but issued an immediate rebuke—advising humans to follow established medical procedures as announced by Starfleet Medical.

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About Keven Vasser

Keven Vasser is a human correspondent for the Federation News Service. He was born in Chicago, Earth, where he wrote for the Chicago Tribune before joining the FNS.

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