Radiation Leprosy

The aftermath of the 2008 Cattenom reactors was the creation of the Saar-Lorraine-Luxembourg Special Administrative Zone more colloquially called The SOX. Covering most of the former State of Luxembough and parts of France and Germany, the entire area has been sealed off and surrounded with a security perimeter fence with manned watch towers. The area was evacuated, however, not all left and others moved in. These people have been cut off from society and know very little of the outside world as they have no services that provide current news to them.   These people suffered from radiation sickness and over time developed mutations and cancers. Their descendents have tried to live their lives as best they can, forming little tribes and communities that eek out a life. Many show signs of mutation. Limbs either smaller or larger than normal, misshapen extremities, overall small disfigurements that they can hide underneath their clothing. However, there are those who have more serious mutations which are more pronounced and this has affected their mental health. They live by plundering are very aggressive and practice cannibalism.    Both groups have had their skin mutate, the cells adapted by becoming thicker almost like leather and a deep brown color. It is thought this was an adaptation to better survive in the radiation. Yet benefits are not without costs. The development of thicker skin allowed bacteria to reside in the deeper layers causing infections, primarily by Staphylococcus Aureus. The radiation also muted the bacteria making infections much worse.   One infection results in the affected person having deep boils that reach into their muscle tissue. These are more than often resistant to herbal remedies and the limited antibiotics that are found or produced. When the boils burst the surrounding tissues are infected causing new infections and the advancement of tissue loss. The tissue necrotizes, forms eschars and sloughs off leaving livid oozing bloody holes that cause other infections. This creates a vicious cycle that eventually leads to death.   Those who suffer often appear to have skin that has open oozing wounds. Bloody pus that leaks from cracks and fissures in their skin as well as the crusty eschars and a stench. This is why they are said to suffer from the street name Radiation Leprosy.