Particles in the Air by Dr. Jenna Podjasek

Author:Dr. Jenna Podjasek
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bancroft Press

Chapter 39

Las Colinas FEMA Temporary Relocation Camp

Day +26

Mallory had spent the previous afternoon and evening with the phone pressed to her ear. Her first call was to Dr. Lee. She voiced her suspicions, explaining how she thought this outbreak could be the result of a deliberate terrorist attack.

His voice was contemplative as he replied. “Biological weapons are typically uncommon virulent pathogens such as anthrax, tularemia, botulism or, theoretically, something like genetically engineered smallpox.

“I can’t see how adenovirus would fit into any kind of biologic weapon scenario. I think the most likely explanation is that this strain of adenovirus has stimulated an autoimmune response against the patient’s own lymphocytes. My guess is that the antibodies target the virus’ infected cells and healthy lymphocytes, destroying both indiscriminately. The antibodies see the two cells as one and the same, because the receptors are the same.

“Viruses are constantly mutating. It’s possible that this particular strain has receptors that have mutated to closely resemble, or become identical to, human lymphocyte receptors.”

Mallory didn’t give in. “I completely agree. That does seem like the most likely explanation. But what if we’re wrong? We don’t have concrete evidence of anything yet. Even if the probability of a deliberate, biological attack is small, the consequences of not exploring it further are too great.”

“Good point, Mallory,” he said. “I’ll call Director Quinn right away.”

She spent the next two hours trying to find and trace any family, either in the US or Sweden, of Omar and Habib Nazari. She had FEMA forward her the registration and demographic information collected on them. It was a futile effort. She couldn’t find anything for either boy, not even an Instagram page or Twitter account.

Maybe Nazari isn’t even their real name. If that’s the case, I have no hope of learning their travel and exposure history. And if the last name is phony, all the more reason to consider a biological attack of some kind.

She felt her phone buzz in her pocket as she stepped out from the canteen into the warm morning air.

“This is Dr. Hayes,” she said, setting out toward the FEMA administrative offices.

“Hi, Dr. Hayes. It’s Deja, from Dr. Walsh’s team?” she said, sounding unsure. “He asked me to call you with an update.”

“Of course. Thanks so much for calling, Deja. How are things going there?” Mallory pressed the phone to her ear, anticipating more bad news.

Deja cleared her throat. “Well, there have been no new cases overnight, which is a huge improvement.”

Mallory paused briefly, processing this information.

No new cases.

She felt a surge of hope. Maybe they had this contained. As of yesterday evening, the team had moved into the isolation tents the last of the known contacts of the 31 infected.

“How are the remaining infected patients doing?” Mallory asked, resuming her brisk pace.

“Unfortunately, all four patients passed away last night and early this morning.” Deja’s voice sounded suddenly tired, dejected.

Mallory stopped walking. “Mindy?”

“I’m sorry, Dr. Hayes. She’s gone, too,” Deja said.

Before she knew what she was doing, Mallory abruptly changed course. She stumbled, caught herself, and made her way back to the privacy of her tent.

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