Squaids

Squaids is a disease that affects both small animals and humanoids. While it is uncommon, many people of the criminal element are infected.

Origins
In the year 33 L.C. squaids was first discovered by engineers working for the Melrony Crime Family. Instead of looking for ways to treat the disease, it was harvested and injected into rodents. These small hosts were then released into rival gangs' headquarters and thus the disease was spread throughout unsuspecting victims. Eventually, this tactic backfired and the crime family's leader, Selvatore Melrony, was exposed to his own biotoxin. Production was immediately halted.

The damage was already done, however, and many more continue to fall sick.

Symptoms & Transmission
The original carriers of Squaids were squirrels, but they are largely unaffected by it. While a bite from one of these small animals could infect a larger specimin, it's usually fleas that transfer the disease from one host to another. Once in humanoids, exchanges of saliva, blood, or other bodily fluids will cause it to spread.

Once someone is infected, it's unlikely they'll know at first. Some people are lucky enough for it to go unnoticed their entire life, while others will feel sick or ill. In extreme cases it can cause vomitting, organ failure, and death. Cases of hemorrhaging, obesity, insanity, and even cottonmouth have been rumored, though no cases have been documented.