The zerghyper-evolutionary virus is an infectious disease through which infestation of living organisms is carried out.[1][2]Terrans and dogs are susceptible to its effects, becoming infested terrans and roverlisks respectively.[3] The protoss are (mostly) immune.[4]
Overview
"I heard there was a cure. Then I heard there wasn't. MAKE UP YOUR MINDS."
The virus mutates extremely rapidly, making the possibility of a cure seemingly impossible.[5][6] It can be spread through water.[7] The protoss were able to devise a nano-tech serum that could reverse the effects of infestation,[8] and Confederate remnants developed a way to partially preserve the subject's sanity,[9] but this was apparently no longer viable by the Second Great War.[10][11] By then the Swarm had developed a particularly virulent strain of the virus[6][12] which renders those infected vulnerable to UV radiation.[13]
Khalaiprotoss are (usually) protected from infestation by the fortitude of the Khala, but it has failed in at least one unusual circumstance.[4]Nerazim are protected by the powers of the Void.[14] Terrans are not as fortunate; their psionic potential was noticed by the zerg and the virus was used to assimilate it. The Queen of Blades was an example of a successful infestation, but most terrans, even psychics, were rendered mindless drones by the process due to genetic incompatibility with the virus.[1] Kerrigan made efforts to remedy this and succeeded in the infestation of Ethan Stewart.[15]
Extreme mutation by the virus will turn a terran into an aberration.[16]
This article or section contains information derived from Co-op Missions, and should not be considered part of the official StarCraft storyline.
The organic components of adjutants are also susceptible to infestation.[18]
During the End War, Amon's forces weaponized a particualarly virulent strain of the virus. Those infested moved at a frighting speed and rapidly proliferated the disease. Hallucinogens in their blood were able to cause hysteria in even the most stalwart warriors.[19]
