Today we discuss the dire issue that poses a threat to humanity and life as we know it. Dr. Moira MacTaggart, a specialist on genetic mutation and alumni of Oxford University is here to explain what she believes is the reason behind this sudden, viral outbreak. Dr. MacTaggart, you say this epidemic originated from the so-called 'mutant cure' that clinics had administered to thousands of mutants world-wide less than a year ago. How do you explain this?
Dr. M. MacTaggart: It's quite simple, really. Our bodies are engineered to fight foreign intruders. The mutants who were injected with this drug immediately began to fight its effects. In time, we've learned that the cure does no such thing, and the the Mutant X gene has not been suppressed. On the contrary, the mutants who took the 'cure' are no longer susceptible to it. Just as a ordinary human may survive a strain of chickenpox, so have the affected mutants. As a result of fending off a common virus, the immune system creates antibodies that will remain within one's body for the span of their life.
So you're saying that the mutants who have gotten the cure will never be able to take it again?
Dr. M. MacTaggart: Precisely. But that clearly isn't the most pressing issue. Their bodies have, so to speak, rejected the strain of virus that had been combined with a mutant's genetic materials, and in doing so, have altered its functions. Currently, we understand that the virus has been modified by exposure to the Mutant X gene.
So, the mutants have ... mutated the virus?
Dr. M. MacTaggart: So to speak. This is an unforeseen complication of the work done at Worthington Pharmaceuticals. There should have been years' worth of testing done before this medication was released en mass upon the mutant population.
This new virus that's been coined 'The Cure Virus' is responsible for the creation of these creatures?
Dr. M. MacTaggart: Creatures? There are cases of non-mutant humans reacting violently to exposure to cured mutants.
Who is at risk here, doctor?
Dr. M. MacTaggart: Essentially, and there hasn't been time for any wide studies, the majority of the non-mutant human population. It's been proven that individuals carrying the Mutant X gene are affected in no way by exposure to cured mutants.
And that means that cured mutants spread the virus... correct?
Dr. M. MacTaggart: Yes, but along with them now are those who they have infected. Any humans who have made contact with those individuals are now at risk of spreading the virus.
Is this virus spread through physical contact only?
Dr. M. MacTaggart: Currently, to the best of my knowledge, I would say yes. We're testing exposed individuals of both human and other animal species for evidence that would suggest otherwise.
Can you explain to me the symptoms of humans who have been infected?
Dr. M. MacTaggart: There have been a wide variety of changes within those individuals, mostly stemming from a sort of de-evolved state of aggression. We believe that exposure to the Mutant X gene has caused the virus to spread its own sort of mutation within non-mutant humans. Every case has been identical, however, unlike the mutation within the mutant community. Symptoms, though, have included accelerated body functions, heart rate, metabolism, and enhanced physical abilities such as heightened strength, speed and agility. These people have also reacted violently to exposure to any sort of UV light - particularly unshielded sunlight. The changes have been so drastic that most cases were suspected to have been early stages of rabies, and that those who have been infected have been referred to, as you put it, 'creatures'.
Please let me stress, affected individuals are dangerous. They cannot be reasoned with. Their behaviors have suggested that their brain functions have reverted back to the most basic survival instincts, and paired with the aggression and enhanced bodily functions, in most cases, when given the chance, they have demonstrated murderous, cannibalistic behavior.
What can be done?
Dr. M. MacTaggart: First of all, all mutants who received the cure must not make human contact. They should isolate themselves from the general public and from all those non-mutant humans they might interact with on a daily basis. There are quarantined areas being set up in most local areas to provide shelter and support for the cured mutants and to keep them from spreading the virus further.
So, to our viewers and the world, what you would say they can do to keep safe?
Dr. M. MacTaggart: To non-mutants; stay indoors at night, cooperate with local and government authorities in your area who are working to protect you and please, do not try to interact with any people who have become infected with the Cure Virus.
Dr. MacTaggart - thank you for your precious time and wisdom. We won't keep you any longer, we understand your work is crucial to finding a possible antidote and to discovering further information to do with the Cure Virus. You have our thoughts and prayers.