Winterchill

Microscopic image of SCP-XXXX.

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Keter

Special Containment Procedures: Samples of SCP-XXXX selected and subsequently approved for research purposes are to be stored in Petri Dishes within properly labeled, hermetically sealed, 1.0 m x 1.0 m x 0.5 m containers to avoid possible outbreaks and mishandling. It is imperative that these containers are only to be opened and studied at Sector-9 of Bio-Site-XXXX with proper equipment.

Locations that have been infected with SCP-XXXX must be evacuated cautiously and quarantined within a sealed, sterile tent for no less than 72 hours. This tent must cover the entirety of the structure and remain secure for 72 hours minimum. If a sterile tent is not available, then armed guards must patrol the perimeter of the building until it is considered decontaminated. If any human gets within 1 meter of the building, then it is mandated that that person must be treated as a potentially infected individual.

Individuals that have come into contact with SCP-XXXX must immediately begin wearing a surgical mask and be transported to Sector-4 of Bio-Site-XXXX for testing.

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Subjects that have been exposed to SCP-XXXX but test negative for infection are to be put under 72-hour watch via surveillance and intercom systems at Unit-2 of Bio-Site-XXXX. These individuals are to be tested once more before being permitted to either leave or undergo quarantine procedure.

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Subjects that have been exposed to SCP-XXXX and test positive for infection are to be quarantined immediately inside of designated quarantine Sectors at Bio-Site-XXXX and undergo psychiatric evaluation. Personalized activities, schedules, and dietary plans to lower risk of suicide and/or violent actions against other subjects will be prescribed by Dr. Warren and Dr. Bodega.

Treat all infected individuals with tact but do not engage in physical contact with them. If a person comes into contact with an infected individual, that person must be treated as a potentially infected individual and go through proper protocol.

Description: SCP-XXXX is an anomalous bacterium that is immune to antibacterials/sanitization methods and causes the formation of a tonsillolith, referred to as SCP-XXXX-A, at the back of an infected individual’s throat. Despite being a type of bacteria, SCP-XXXX is not self-sustaining and must rely on an external source of nutrients. It is unknown how many individuals are currently infected with SCP-XXXX; however, the total is estimated to be around 7,000 people across the globe. Strangely, SCP-XXXX appears to be noncommunicable until the development of SCP-XXXX-A on the host, which is quite limiting in terms of its infectivity. SCP-XXXX is transmitted through bodily fluids, eating infected food, or drinking infected water.

SCP-XXXX-A is a tonsillolith that develops once a subject contracts SCP-XXXX. This tonsillolith breaks off into three separate segments over time: the largest of which remains in the back of the throat of infected individuals. Most subjects report SCP-XXXX-A three days after they contract SCP-XXXX and gradually report progressively worsening symptoms throughout the next few days. Some subjects refuse to willingly eat or drink once SCP-XXXX-A forms, and will continue to do so until they succumb to dehydration. SCP-XXXX-A is only to be removed postmortem for research purposes due to the incident involving Subject █████████ and Dr. █████████ which caused the quarantine and subsequent destruction of Bio-Site-█████.

Addendum #XXXX-1: The following is an attempt to generalize the stages through which subjects experience during the course of their infection from Stage 1 (initial infection) to death. Though it is not currently understood why, around 35% of subjects do not advance to Stages 4 and 5 of infection.

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Stages	Stage 1	Stage 2	Stage 3	Stage 4	Stage 5
Time Frame	Days 1-3	Days 4-21	Weeks, months, or indefinitely	Months, years, or indefinitely	Permanent, generally ending in suicide
Symptoms	asymptomatic	discomfort, irritation, pain/pressure in throat	inability to focus on complex tasks, sleep deprivation, intense coughing, difficulty breathing	malnutrition, dehydration, anemia, chills, paranoia	severe Clinical Depression, suicidal thoughts/actions, severe dehydration

Addendum #XXXX-2: Subject D-194, who had their tonsils removed prior to test date, was purposefully contaminated with SCP-XXXX. SCP-XXXX-A formed regardless, but D-194’s tonsils regenerated during the process. This was observed to be excruciatingly painful due to D-194’s endless wailing. Several other attempts were made with near identical results; it was concluded that no further testing would be conducted on subjects who had undergone a tonsillectomy. Those who were subject to these trials are to be put on suicide watch and will be psychiatrically evaluated.

Addendum #XXXX-3: A trial vaccine dubbed [DATA EXPUNGED] was produced and then administered to Subjects D-248, D-297, and D-362. Subjects underwent evaluation every day for thirty days and none of them became physically ill. It is presumed that the subjects' mental health deteriorated immensely during the trials due to their actions mere days later. This incident has since prompted further investigation and is still currently underway.

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The three subjects in question went to SCP-████’s chamber disguised as scientists and proceeded to break containment procedure, provoking SCP-████. Though it is currently unknown how the Class D subjects were able to acquisition company scientist uniforms, it can be said with certainty that one of the aforementioned uniforms contained a keycard with access to SCP-████’s chamber. When confronted by personnel, the subjects sprinted inside and were instantly [DATA EXPUNGED] leaving only blood-soaked clothing and SCP-████, who was promptly contained.

Addendum #XXXX-4: Vaccine trials have ceased due to the most recent incident involving a civilian subject being mistaken for a Class D (and the subject’s subsequent gangrene infection from the aforementioned vaccination). Further safety measures have been taken into effect, separating Class D from regular citizens who were affected by SCP-XXXX. The future status of these vaccine trials is currently being debated by personnel on the research team responsible for the trials and Dr. ████████, head of anomalous bacterial research.