*Research Notes from Project Olympiad*

Research Head: Dr. Henry

Deputy Research Head: Arcade Gannon

This folder contains copies of all research into the “Outsider’s Pox" or “Boomer Blight” (BB) conducted by the joint research team on Project Olympiad prepared for Courier Six. Our findings are as follows:

BB is a mutated form of the type of fauna found in Vault 22, more specifically, it is an unnatural mutation that is not found from any samples taken from Vault 22. The BB strain is shoddily modified in several key areas. For our interest, the rapid growth is replaced by more subtle infections of a host. Most interesting is its refusal to infect any mammals aside from Humans, something I’ve only seen in one other manufactured virus.
Because of the amateur work of this strain, the impact on a human is negligible at best. Some flu-like symptoms, minor agitation and some negligible respiratory aggravation. The concern is further mutations, either natural or purposeful. The team has not come to a consensus on the reasoning or source of BB nor can we assume to be rid of it, but due to the nature of the strain, I consider it to be top-priority.
BB is not a virus, it’s still a close relative of Beauveria mordicana and has been assisting our own research into Vault-22’s secrets at large. Due to it being very similar to the original Vault-22 strain, a vaccine isn’t possible and we’re still working through antibacterial and antifungal options. THERE IS STILL NOT A CURE and we should consider any outbreak, especially in an urban setting, as exceedingly dangerous.
This brings me to the next point, transmission. The Vault-22 strain is spread only by spores that spread at the peak of germination by the infected. BB spreads much earlier on through aerosolized particles as well as spores with further germination. These aerosolized participles can be from sneezes, saliva and other bodily fluids but the fungus cannot survive outside of the body for long and that is its weakness.
Finally, the impact on agriculture is relatively negligible but still noteworthy. From what the team has seen, non-humans are immune. This includes super mutants, bighorners, Brahmin, canines and felines. This extends to their meat, with no discernible symptoms after consuming infected Brahmin. The only horticultural specimens that BB can infect are maize, wheat, potatoes and cactus fruit, which does happen to be the most common staples consumed by the Mojave.

In summation, we’re not sure why Boomer’s Blight has shown up in the Mojave and it very well could be an accidental release or some pre-war accident but the only thing the team can agree on is it’s artificial and purposeful nature. We will continue to work on both countermeasures and practical applications of BB and Vault-22 strain but sourcing an original strain is proving difficult. Please let our team know if there are any concerns or questions.

Loyally yours,

Dr. Henry