Item Number – SCP-129 Object Class – Keter Special Containment Procedures – SCP-129 is at large in the world and infects large numbers of humans and animals daily. As such, containment efforts are focused on treatment of infected individuals and on eradication of any or all member species of SCP-129. Although at least 98% of the world's population harbors a natural immunity to one or more species of SCP-129, outbreaks that reach stage 3 or higher must be contained as quickly as possible with infected individuals quarantined under highest risk-contagent protocols. In the event of stage 4 or stage 5 outbreak, in addition to the above procedures, data expunged. Description – SCP-129 is a series of different species of fungus that can infect any animal with mucosal membranes. Infection by SCP-129 can pass through up to five stages, depending on exposure to further member species of SCP-129, individual resistance, and other factors, with each stage of infection facilitating progression to the next stage by weakening the individual's resistance to subsequent infection. Due to a combination of historical events, most humans and animals are naturally immune to SCP-129-4 through SCP-129-1. Therefore, outbreaks of stage 3 infections are quite rare, but have the potential for widespread infection if not swiftly isolated and contained. All known cases of SCP-129 have followed a five-stage progression, although data expunged, possibly due to mutation. The first organism, SCP-129-1, attacks the victim's mucosal membranes, multiplying quickly and unobtrusively. A faint yeast-like smell might be detected, but beyond that, SCP-129-1 is asymptomatic. A second organism, SCP-129-2, can then infect the host, causing the victim to experience symptoms identical to those of acute viral nasopharyngeitis, the common cold. The decreased efficacy of the host's immune system due to infection from SCP-129-2 allows SCP-129-1 to become entrenched further. SCP-129-1 and 2 generally leave the host body within 4 to 6 days. Though both species are fairly widespread, and most of the population has little to no protection against either organism, they pose little danger themselves, except to facilitate infection by SCP-129-3. Although SCP-129-3 is usually stopped by natural mucus, stage 1 infection changes the composition of the host's mucus, so that the host is significantly less resistant to SCP-129-3. Once established in the host, SCP-129-3 alters the host's mucus, lymph, and blood, such that other species of SCP-129 can thrive in the host. Symptoms of stage 2 infection include greatly increased mucus production, a nagging cough due to excess phlegm, a lingering low-grade fever, increased sweating and salivating, a somewhat increased preference for vegetables, and the complaint that certain fruit juices taste odd. Infection by SCP-129-3 generally lasts anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 months, before being driven out by the immune system, unless the host enters stage 3 infection. At least 80% of all humans have experienced stage 2 infection at some point, but due to natural immunities, in spite of stage 2 infection, and the relative rarity of stage 3 species, few have passed into stage 3. Stage 3 In the absence of SCP-129-3, nearly all animals are immune to the three species that cause stage 3 infection. However, a small number of stage 2 victims can become infected with one or more of these species. In these cases, the fungal infections become entrenched in the host and cannot be removed without extraordinary measures. Individually, the three stage 3 species elicit different symptoms in the host. SCP-129-4 causes increased tear production, lacrimation, slight yellowing of the eyes. SCP-129-5 causes the host's nails to thicken and significantly increases earwax production. SCP-129-6 data expunged, in particular, bright yellow urine, and small pellets in the host's feces, both of which smell strongly of yeast. However, a victim who becomes infected with all three of these species will, within hours, develop flu-like, or worse, symptoms, and become bedridden for 3-5 weeks. Afterward, though the victim appears to have recovered fully, in actuality, SCP-129 has spread throughout all systems in the host's body, marking passage into stage 4. Stage 4 Victims who reach stage 4 appear generally healthy, and indeed may be more lively and energetic than at any time since first contracting SCP-129. In actuality, SCP-129-1-6 have spread throughout the host's body, completely infiltrating the subject's immune, respiratory, circulatory, reproductive, and central nervous systems. Mycelia from SCP-129 species also permeate the host's skin, and replace some percentage of the host's hair. These hyphae, which are nearly indistinguishable from the host's natural hair, are used to propagate SCP-129 to other hosts. Any potential host that comes into contact with Shed-Off Hyphae has an extremely high chance of becoming infected with SCP-129. Hyphae seem to be equally contagious from any part of the host's body. Despite, or perhaps because of, increased susceptibility to SCP-129, stage 4 victims are much more resistant to viral and bacterial pathogens than uninfected subjects. All known subjects who have reached stage 4 have either progressed to stage 5 or died within 4 weeks. Symptoms of stage 5 infection depend on a variety of factors, including the particular stage 5 species that are present, as well as genetic, physiological, environmental, and any number of unknown factors. However, as in stage 4, all stage 5 victims are highly contagious and can infect victims who had previously shown complete immunity. Notable manifestations of stage 5 symptoms. Witnesses riding in a commuter train car described a woman suddenly blowing up like a balloon and exploding, but instead of blood and viscera, the contents of the car were covered in spores and filaments. Analysis later showed that the victim was infected with SCP-129-9, SCP-129-14, and SCP-129... All persons and objects in the affected area were quarantined, euthanized, and incinerated per protocol. No physical casualties, including foundation personnel. May... Following a string of disappearances in data expunged were tracked to a cave several kilometers from town. Inside, investigators found several pulsating mounds of flesh and vegetative material. Although most were unrecognizable, a few of the entities retained some human characteristics and were identified as some of the missing citizens. Investigators theorized that victims of this combination of SCP-129 would interact normally with the populace, attempting to infect others, until, after a period of time, they would come to the cave, how and why they were brought here is not known. Upon arrival, the victims would be changed into the pulsating vegetative flesh mounds, which appeared to be organisms modified to provide a long-term source of sustenance for SCP-129. This suggests the flesh mounds could potentially live for several years. Autopsy revealed the presence of SCP-129-10, SCP-129-11, SCP-129-14, and SCP-129-11. Site quarantined and sanitized per protocol. Lesson complete. If you missed the previous orientation, go watch SCP-128, kinetic energy entity, right now, or for the complete course, watch this playlist.