Petrushka: Proceedings of a Conference on Severe Epidemic Phytonotic Syndrome (SEPS)

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“Within 24 hours of his emergence from general anaesthetic two further, deadly consequences were observed, each engendering further complications: several new seedlings broke through the skin at various parts of the patient’s body. Whereas they were successfully removed, it became apparent that the non-invasive examinations (X-ray, MRI and ultrasound) caused pain and discomfort. There was also the suspicion, never thereafter dispelled, that those examinations boosted the growth of the vegetation. The second consequence was contraction by both surgeons, by the scrub nurses and by two ward nurses, of similar complaints; similar because they entailed phytonotic attacks, though by different species of plant.

“In all cases it proved possible to uproot each plant as it was detected, and while it was technically possible to keep each new patient under observation with a view to further surgical treatment, in no case was full remission achieved in that first phase, and the hospital quickly found its medical and logistic resources exhausted. This situation was soon replicated at treatment centres throughout Bangkok. Bangkok is, of course, one of the busiest airport hubs in south-east Asia, with direct flights to every major airport on Earth.” “The question is can we discriminate against someone who has only some of the attributes of a human? Under the law, given the impact, this is possible. They can be put in a separate place, and kept from disturbing others. The more difficult issue emerges when the plant becomes a threat.”

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Petrushka: Proceedings of a Meeting on Severe Epidemic Phytonotic Syndrome (SEPS)