A devastating epidemic swept through the City of Reveille today, with sources on the ground reporting over 50 infections including President 1950minecrafter himself, as the mysterious “Moon Plague” spread rapidly through the city, costing the government an estimated RD$15,000 or more in medical treatments through medicaid.
The outbreak, allegedly started and deliberately spread by player MoonKairiki, struck in multiple waves throughout the day. The disease quickly escalated from common cold symptoms to chicken pox, eventually manifesting as both conditions simultaneously. The highly contagious disease, with a 50% transmission rate, proved capable of spreading through walls and air, a challenging situation for the Department of Health.
Hospital Overwhelmed as Infection Spreads
A Department of Health member who treated at least 10 patients during the crisis described scenes of chaos at the local hospital. “At one point my entire screen was people clicking the hospital sign, and it was never the same person,” the source reported. The situation became so dire that medical staff had to self-treat after each infectious patient interaction, further compounding the strain on already depleted resources.
“In the beginning wave we had a shortage of honey bottles for common cold treatment, so it was insanely hard to treat people. The cops trying to arrest Moon were getting sick too, but eventually she was arrested. And then DID IT AGAIN.” – DOH Source
According to medical staff on the ground, one doctor alone estimated treating around 50 players throughout the day, with some patients requiring multiple treatments. The hospital had to restock supplies midway through the crisis, as the epidemic came in waves throughout the day.
Government Response and Financial Impact
While official figures have not been released, sources within the Department of Health estimate the financial toll on the government to be staggering. With each treatment costing RD$100 and many citizens relying on Medicaid, DOH sources estimate the actual cost to be at least RD$15,000, with one source suggesting the figure could be higher when accounting for all doctors’ treatments and medical supplies. This estimate comes from just one doctor’s caseload and doesn’t include treatments by other medical staff.
President 1950minecrafter, speaking while wearing a mask during his address, acknowledged the severity of the situation:
“The DOH has reported an unusual increase in cases of common cold, which has been spreading throughout our nation. It seems that it spreads by waves… Our doctors have managed to control them fairly quick and will control any wave that comes to us.”
The President urged citizens to stay home when possible, wear masks, and maintain social distancing. He also directed the Secretary of Interior to deliver emergency supplies to hospitals and clinics across Redmont. It is also important to note that, confirmed cases have thus far been contained to the City of Reveille, with no reported infections in Oakridge or other municipalities at this time.
Press Conference Disrupted by Outbreak
In a bizarre turn of events, even the presidential press conference addressing the epidemic was disrupted by the disease. The conference was delayed by 20 minutes after someone spread the “Moon Plague” into the press room, resulting in six people waiting at the hospital simultaneously. Most attendees wore masks or full HAZMAT equipment for the remainder of the event.
The conference had to be relocated to Press Secretary Jorinton’s Oakridge apartment.
Criminal Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Presidential Press Secretary Jorinton issued a stark warning regarding the alleged perpetrator:
“Everyone, record, screenshot, send logs, do whatever you must to get evidence against MoonKairiki who is spreading this disease. Get the evidence and we can jail him for 50 offenses. Send that evidence to DHS operatives.”
MoonKairiki was reportedly arrested during the outbreak but allegedly continued spreading the disease afterward, potentially facing prosecution and substantial fines for the deliberate infection of dozens of citizens.
Statistics (Based on Ground Reports) *Official numbers pending from DOH:
- Over 50 people reportedly infected
- RD$100 per treatment
- 50% transmission rate
- RD$15,000+ in estimated government costs
- President, DPA Secretary among potentially infected
- Outbreak primarily centered in Reveille
- As of right now there are no cases attested to in Oakridge by eye-witness or close sources.
As of approximately 7 PM EST, DOH sources report the outbreak appears to have stopped following the perpetrator’s capture, with all known patients treated. The Department of Health is reportedly developing new epidemic protocols based on lessons learned from today’s crisis. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and report any symptoms immediately.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Updates
Server Configuration Contributed to Rapid Spread
The epidemic's severity was amplified by server plugin settings that had infection rates set at 50% for both Common Cold and Chicken Pox, with transmission radiuses of 10 and 8 blocks, respectively. These settings have now been adjusted to more balanced levels - 8% and 10% infection rates with reduced radiuses of 2 and 3 blocks.
Juniperfig:Thanks @RaiTheGuy07 for helping me test these new values!”
Moon Plague Resumes: 6 New Cases, Some Patients Sent Away to Oakridge
Credit: Photo by Luka Del Rey/The Reveille Times
DOH sources report six additional players have contracted the "Moon Plague" on Wednesday in the early morning, with the disease causing blindness, weakness, and slowness effects in-game.
According to the source, several infected players declined hospital treatment and were relocated to Oakridge for quarantine measures, marking the first time patients have been transported outside the City of Reveille since the outbreak began yesterday morning.
The new cases indicate the outbreak has resumed after appearing to stop following the perpetrator's arrest around 7 PM EST.
