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It has been suggested that the phenomenon commonly dubbed “Harmony” is not a true virus. It is thought to be closer to a fungus. There is also a theory that this is not a tangible pathogen but the result of a spell gone wrong… The true nature is unknown, as everypony who attempts an in-depth study seems to contract the infection before much progress can be documented.
—Dr. Whitecoat, M.D.
STAGE 1
Patient appears healthy, if a bit scattered. This is an incubation stage. The only symptoms of note are an increase in extroversion, restlessness and mild forgetfulness. Very hard to diagnose at this stage.
STAGE 2
Patient develops a fear of being alone and will seek out other ponies or crowds. Some have mentioned a buzzing or hum, but generally are preoccupied with getting out of the house and being around others. Patient will become quite distressed when isolated and will constantly attempt to leave house, hospital room or anywhere they are contained. When around other ponies, however, patient becomes docile and calm. Fur may be worn from hooves from constantly trying to remove barricades or scratching at walls. Frustrated at being alone, patients may start to lose fur/feathers. Confusion is common.
STAGE 3
Isolation is critical as the patient is highly contagious. Patients frequently have raw, sore throats and damaged vocal cords, but it is unknown if this is a direct symptom or a result of the tendency to scream while confined. The patient will scream and aggressively attempt to break down any barrier separating them from the outside world. They have some degree of a strange form of dementia and may or may not respond to their own names, but will refer to themselves in the plural. They appear to recognize loved ones and consistently express a need to “save” them. When not screaming, patients typically speak in soft whispers. A patient at this stage will likely stop sleeping or eating unless several others are present. It is recommended to quarantine several infected ponies together as this grouping may encourage them to continue eating and sleeping for a little longer.
STAGE 4
No longer responds to their own name, but treats total strangers as if they know each other. May appear to be deep in thought or talk to themselves, having complex conversations which all converge to the subject of “spreading Harmony to others”. Any infected individual at this point will look malnourished and dehydrated, and many have injuries that they can no longer feel. All will try to find a crowded or high point in a populated area. PLEASE NOTE: Pegasi will not fly at this stage if it is avoidable. They seem to prefer staying on the ground in paths, roads or walkways. If they do fly, it’s a short distance to reach a rooftop, hill etc. The patient will have a dreamy, almost blissful expression but no longer seems to recognize their reflection or any reference to themselves as an individual. They do, however, share a collective consciousness and may respond in unison to stimuli. Once a Stage 4 infected reaches the middle of a crowd or other sufficient location, Stage 5 will begin.
STAGE 5
While appearing to be asleep or sitting comfortably, the patient has brain activity at a very low level save for the portions of the brain devoted to emotion, communication and use of magic/body process regulations. All energy that would have been focused anywhere else will be channeled to these regions. Horns will glow faintly, wing feathers will be fluffed up and outspread and every exhale has the potential to infect anyone in the area. This is the most contagious stage and often the hardest to spot. (See the Canterlot Study, where one seemingly sleeping customer in a crowded cafe infected over 2000 others by the end of the day.) Even with life support, patient will waste away, seemingly giving themselves up to spread Harmony far and wide. If given intensive life support, they may last up to a week.
It is hypothesized that this stage either converts the host into a factory for the pathogen or a battery and transmitter for the magical affliction. More studies are needed.
NOTES:
Harmony patients have been known to go to extreme lengths to break out of quarantine and infect others. Repair any cracks in walls and windows and use heavy furniture to barricade doors when possible.
Due to the nature of this infection, self-checking for symptoms is pointless. Symptomatic patients will invariably try to spread the contagion. Anypony suspected to have contracted Harmony will need to be assessed.
As of right now, no cases of Harmony among dragons, griffins or changelings have been reported. Whether this is due to inherent immunity or social structure remains unclear.
UPDATE:
A research team attempted to find the origins of Harmony in the hopes of finding a cure. We visited the site of the original recorded cases. Dozens of pages of torn-up notes were found in an abandoned library alongside a chest in the middle of the room. Inside were six pieces of jewelry that resembled the famed Elements of Harmony, but the gemstones had growth-like blemishes that looked similar to wood fungi or oxidation of silver. We would welcome any theories on what these findings mean. Please come tell us…
We’re so lonely…