The New Plague is an infectious disease which first arose in the 2050s within the United States.[1]
Background
Research into possible cures for the New Plague created the Forced Evolution Virus.[1] West Tek started to develop a cure for the plague, establishing the West Tek Research Facility.[1] As a response to the virus, the United States entered a national quarantine to combat it.[2]
The government used the paranoia surrounding the virus to discourage assemblies, fuel anti-communist sentiment, and encourage informing government forces of suspected subversive elements. The government further used New Plague to register civilians, claiming a symptom of the plague was "socialist thoughts" and advocating isolation: people should stay indoors, read books, and avoid "ice cream socials."[3] Citizens were told that if they believed they were infected, they were to contact a disease control center, such as the Disaster Relief Outpost in Point Lookout.[4] West-Tek was ultimately unable to develop a cure and control of the West Tek Research Facility was handed over to the military in 2071.[1]
Gameplay
Methods of controlling the spread of the disease were isolation and containment.[5] The worst symptoms included profuse sweating, unexplained contusions, and swelling, and eventually terminated in massive external hemorrhaging.[4]
Notes
- The New Plague killed Constance Blackhall's spouse in 2058.[Pub 1]
- The New Plague is an incorrect answer in the Pioneer Scout Medical Exam.[6]
Appearances
The New Plague is mentioned in Fallout, Fallout Tactics, the Fallout 3 add-on Point Lookout, and Fallout 76.
Behind the scenes
The New Plague is mentioned in the Fallout Bible.[Dev 1][Dev 2][Dev 3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Vault Dweller: "Tell me about this installation."
ZAX: "This installation was established in 2055 as a biological research facility for experimental cures of the New Plague. However, in 2071, this facility was placed under United States military command. Research into possible cures for the New Plague created the Forced Evolution Virus, which was further developed in an attempt to create a transmittable genetic-engineering virus -- in effect, infectious evolution."
(ZAX.MSG) - ↑ Fallout Tactics intro: "...the United States will go ahead with the national quarantine, the New Plague virus..."
- ↑ Disaster Relief Outpost terminal entries; terminal, Protect Yourself!
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Disaster Relief Outpost terminal entries; terminal, Know the Signs!
- ↑ Disaster Relief Outpost terminal entries; terminal, Remember to C.I.R.
- ↑ Pioneer Scout camp terminal entries; Medic
- ↑ Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.87: "Fallout 3 Official Game Guide; Wasteland Census: Constance Blackhall, head of the estate after the New Plague made her an unexpected widow in 2058, cooperated with entrepreneurs from the Isla Negra Realty Company, who had been trying to acquire family real estate unsuccessfully for years. Despite overwhelming local cultural resistance, Isla Negra persistently attempted to bring tourism and modernization to Point Lookout and St. Mary’s County"
- ↑ Fallout Bible p. 19: "TIMELINE REPAIR: SECOND STRIKE"
"2053: The socially transmitted “New Plague” arises, killing tens of thousands. The United States closes its borders and the first-ever national quarantine is declared. The source of the plague is unknown, but rumors persist that it is a genetically engineered weapon" - ↑ Fallout Bible p. 19: "TIMELINE REPAIR: SECOND STRIKE"
"2055: The West Tek Research Facility starts working on a new virus to kill the New Plague. Their viral research and close ties to the federal government eventually lead to them being chosen for the PanImmunity Virion Project twenty years later as well as Power Infantry Armor and laser research." - ↑ Fallout Bible p. 21: "TIMELINE REPAIR: SECOND STRIKE"
"2077 February: FEV Research is leaked to the world through an unknown source. Protests in many major cities and governments around the world, as well as accusations that the US was responsible for the New Plague. FEV is seen as the threat it is, and serves only to fuel tensions."