The Solanum virus does not survive outside of the human body, and it has not been isolated in nature. The virus is neither waterborne or airborne; the only way to become infected is through direct fluidic contact, in which context the virus is 100% communicable, with a 100% mortality rate. Although the virus is most commonly transmitted through zombie bites, it is also possible to be infected through mucosal contact with the blood or entrails of an infected individual. It is theoretically possible to be infected through sexual contact with a zombie, but that there are as yet no records of any such incident. It can also spread through organ transplants from zombies, although infection takes longer.
Solanum travels through the bloodstream, from the initial point of entry to the brain, where it uses the cells of the frontal lobe to replicate itself (and destroys these cells in the process). During this period, all bodily functions cease; by stopping the heart, the subject is rendered "dead". The brain remains alive, but dormant, while the virus mutates its cells into a completely new organ. The most critical trait of this new organ is its independence from oxygen. By removing the need for this all-important resource, the undead brain can utilize, but is no way dependent on, the complex support mechanism of the human body. Once this mutation is complete, this new organ reanimates the body into a form that bears little resemblance (physiologically speaking) to the original corpse. Some bodily functions remain constant, others operate in a modified capacity, and the remainder shut down completely. This new organism is a zombie, a member of the living dead.
Solanum has been proven fatal to all species; however, reanimation will only occur in humans. Infected animal carcasses are safe to handle a few hours after death. Tests have also proven that infection through insect bites such as those from mosquitoes is not possible; insects are able to sense and reject the infected fluids.
Hour 1: Pain and discoloration (brown-purple) of the infected area. Immediate clotting of the wound (provided the infection came from a wound).
Hour 5: Fever (99-103° F), chills, slight dementia, vomiting, acute pains in the joints.
Hour 8: Numbing of extremities and infected area, increased fever (103-106° F), increased dementia, loss of muscular coordination.
Hour 11: Paralysis in the lower body, overall numbness, slowed heart rate.
Hour 16: Coma
Hour 20: Heart stops. Zero brain activity.
Hour 23: Reanimation.
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