BLOOD POISONING BY DARK MARK
London, St. Mungo's Hospital.
Since Voldemort has been defeated, a rapidly increasing number former Death Eaters have been admitted to hospital with signs of sepsis, apparently caused by the decaying Dark Mark on their left forearms.

The symptoms the former Death Eaters are suffering from range from a lowered body temperature and vomiting, to elevated body temperatures, rapid breathing, and organ failure. It appears the longer people have been Death Eaters, the quicker the decaying Mark poisons their blood.

"The Dark Mark is a tattoo, yes, but it is also created by a spell," says Dr. Miriam Longstocking, head of the Direct Spell Injury department of the hospital. "It was originally used to summon him (Voldemort), but now he is defeated it's falling apart. The substance of the actual Mark is now coursing through their veins."

"So far, we have performed 47 amputations, ranging from the left forearm to the entire left arm and shoulder," Dr. Longstocking continues. "Only two of these men are no longer at risk for their lives, and we are expecting to have to perform more amputations." Forty of the men have died, and five of them are expected to die within the next few days. "We know the amputation is no use for most of them, but they insist once they realize the anti-inflammatory drugs don't work."

When asked if she has any advice for former Death Eaters, she shakes her head: "If you have been a Death Eater for longer than a week before he (Voldemort) was defeated and you feel ill, you should start saying goodbye to your family and friends. There is nothing we can do at this time."

The ministry is yet to comment on the situation. For a background story see page 4.