RE: Observations in quarantine

23/06/2013


Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta,
GA30333


Dear Jacob,


I hope these words find you and your party well. Since our last correspondence we have made several breakthroughs in our research of the Lazarus outbreak. I hope our findings will prove beneficial to all those still living in the quarantined area. As always, bad news first;

• Reports of the infected possessing 'super human' strength may not be too far-fetched. For one, it appears the symbiont/Lazarus promotes mass production of epinephrine in his host's adrenal glans. This in turn allows the infected to perform spectacular feats similar to those observed in humans in extremely stressful situations i.e. fight or flight.

• We have gathered fascinating evidence to suggest that the symbiont and host/vector are now co-dependant. Once Lazarus gains control, he and the host cannot be seperated. That is to say, any previous hope of being able to 'cure' the vectors seems to have faded.

• There also appears to be signs of an interesting social structure developing within the infected. We suspect that with each mutation the host rises up the 'food chain' if you will. In practise, the newest host will will lead the 'pact' and he will be the primary carrier of the Lazarus infection. That is not to say, more primitive vectors will not attempt to infect you if they are on their own.

As we speak, I have no biological evidence to back this particular theroy up so I would be especially interested in hearing your input on this matter. Food for thought eh?

• As always I save the best to last. Upon examining fresh subjects we have discovered an impressive acceleration in neural functionality compared with early samples. In laymen’s terms, it appears that the infected are becoming much smarter with each mutation. Be on the look out for any evidence of raised awareness, ambushes and/or co-ordinated attacks.

Thanks to your invaluable observations, we have been able to carry out several experiments which have resulted in many positive conclusions for survival;

• As I first theorized, the symbiont's primary goal is to breed then 'jump' hosts. This is contrary to early reports of Lazarus cannibalizing his victims. The infected will not 'feed' on or try to kill their target as this of course would prove self deprivating. Above all else, we need to get this message across to quell the absurd rumours of the 'undead' gorging on victims or we will have a widespread panic on our hands!

• Despite possessing fantastic physical abilties, the vectors anatomy remains almost as fragile as you and me. That being said, tests show that the host can survive severe head trauma as long as the brain stem remains intact. Even a headless host still retains basic motor functions and continues to respond to the whims of the symbiont. We suggest you pick your shots and aim for the medulla oblongata which you should find just behind the mouth. An accurate shot will ensure a quick 'clean' kill.

• Finally, we are now confident that Lazarus is selective, even to a point where he will avoid the sick and dying to look for a healthy host. You and your good friend Charlie will be glad to know that he is'nt fussed on canines and will not look to cross over to other mammals or birds intentionally.

However, despite our great progress we are no closer to an endgame. Therefore it is with great regret that I reject your request for extraction. You must know that I will continue to work without sleep to find a way to bring you all home. I pray that these briefings will increase your chances, if not by a small amount, to live to see that day.

Yours sincerely

Dr. Christopher Wallace PHD