(1941-07-04) The Daily Prophet - St. Mungo’s Announces New Magical Bug
Details for Daily Prophet - St. Mungo’s Announces New Magical Bug
Summary: In response to the increasing cases of witches and wizards suddenly turning into animals, St. Mungo's held a press conference to announce the existence of a new magical bug. They emphasize that the bug is not lycanthropy and that there is no need for public alarm.
Date: Sunday, July 4, 1941
Location: St. Mungo's
Plot: Zoanthropy Epidemic
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July 4 – “As the recent transformations appear contagious, we are deeming this a new magical bug,” stated Virgil Goshawk VI, Healer-in-Charge of Magical Bugs and Diseases, during a press conference on July 3rd.

Since June 28, there have been nine confirmed cases of wizards and witches transforming into animals. A constable commented off-the-record that the MLE suspects there might be more, with transformed individuals not coming forward out of embarrassment or fear of repercussions. Unlike the animagi transformations, the transformed witches and wizards show no sign of retaining their minds while in animal form. The effects persist for 24 hours but after reverting to human form, the individuals still retain some animal characteristics.

“The public is cautioned to avoid contact with any unfamiliar animals and to report them immediately to the MLE,” said Goshawk. “The condition is transmittable through any form of bite, scratch, peck, or in some rare cases, extended contact with an afflicted individual.”

When asked for comment on the similarities between this new magical bug and lycanthropy, Goshawk stated, “The victims of this magical bug do not suffer from lycanthropy. The symptoms are entirely different except for the fact that an involuntary transformation takes place.”

“The transformations occur 24 to 48 hours after exposure to another transformed witch or wizard, regardless of the state of the moon. The transformation lasts for no more than 24 hours, unlike werewolves which remain transformed for the duration of the full moon. And once the witch or wizard has returned to human form, they retain a few lingering features of their animal transformation, unlike werewolves which do not. This is not lycanthropy.”

The press conference concluded with assurances that the healers of St. Mungo’s are working towards a cure. Transformed witches and wizards have been kept for the duration of their transformation and for an additional day of observation before being released. Citizens, friends, and relatives are advised to have caution against prolonged contact to individuals bearing signs of their transformations.

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