Mousepox

Another very specific metamorphic disorder to watch out for: Mousepox! It strikes suddenly and without warning, a humble nip that stings like a bite from a tiny werewolf The original artwork is by the very talented mademoiselle and should be favorited here. The paper texture I used can be found here, and the public domain original poster is here.

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The International Morphological Foundation Presents: KNOW YOUR METAMORPHIC DISORDERS

Entry #M0U53
Name: Transfigurative Hantavirus
Common Name: Mousepox
Frequency: Uncommon
Severity Class: 3

Notes:
Strains of hantavirus are present in most rodent populations worldwide, but it is only a rare mutation that allows the virus to infect humans. Transfigurative Hantavirus differs from normal infectious viral strains in that the viral payload is mouse DNA itself rather than viral DNA, the mutation in question occurring when mouse cells are incompletely infected. Like several other zoomorphia strains, the size difference leads to much of the victim's mass being converted into potential energy, which is difficult--but not impossible--to return to its pre-infection state.

Case Study:
Sue Mofield, the model for the poster, was brought in for treatment with a severe case of Transfigurative Hantavirus from a bite inflicted by her pet rat. Though the details of her case are currently classified, she did sign a full release waiver for her image to be used in IMF promotional materials.

Addendum from Agent Ellis, corresponding IMF agent:
Mousepox is particularly vexing because rodents are popular pets and even more popular pests. The mutation arises randomly but not uncommonly, meaning that every bite from a rodent should be treated as potentially mousepox-infected. Metamorphosis to a larger body plan, as in Dragonsleep and others, draws in potential energy from the environment for the additional mass--it is therefore comparatively easy to remove this energy assuming that treatment can be applied and is effective. Disorders like Mousepox, which convert existing matter into potential energy, are often much harder to treat, as the simplest reversal processes would result in a proportionally tiny human. There are options available, but as the transfer between potential energy and matter is poorly understood, it is often a difficult and lengthy process. Treat all rodent bites with caution and keep an IMF-approved emergency human DNA infusion handy.