Rigelian fever

Rigelian fever is a deadly disease originating in the Rigel system. It is similar to the bubonic plague of Earth, though with a faster incubation period.

In ancient times, Rigelian fever devastated the population of Rigel V. It first appeared on Rigel IV in the 2100s, and killed 100,000 people in the city of Sathura. Outbreaks flare up occasionally on Rigel IV, sometimes transmitted to starships through their crews. (TOS novel: Mind Meld; Decipher RPG sourcebook: Worlds)

The fever does not strike only Rigelians and other vulcanoids, however. It is a cross-species disease, and has been known to severely effect humans and other races. (

Ryetalyn, a rare mineral, is the only known cure. 

Ancient records leftover from early Orion Empires indicate that Rigelian fever may have been created as a biological weapon. The disease damages glandular systems in humanoids, causing the victim to swell as it wreaks havoc with the body's temperature regulation mechanisms, and "cooks" the victim from within. Even when treated, the fever can leave serious neurological or organ damage in its wake. (Decipher RPG sourcebook: Worlds)