Read The Living Dead (Book 1): Contagion for Free Online Page A

viral illness introduced into the facility by victims from the Haitian earthquake zone. Efforts made to contain the infection within the biohazard portion of the facility failed and as a result the facility has been sterilized. While we believe this successful sterilization has eliminated the threat of further infection within the immediate radius of the DC area, the danger of new cases still exists. As most of you are aware, in acts of incredible selflessness, citizens of countries from around the world rushed to the aid of Haiti, transporting victims to regional hospitals around the Caribbean and here in the U.S. These acts of kindness have, unintentionally, greatly facilitated the spread of a virus now suspected to be pandemic. Symptoms include subnormal temperatures and copious vomiting followed by coma from which they revive extremely violent. If your neighbors or loved ones appear infected they must be restrained before they reach the violent phase. We have no other treatment protocols at this time.” She removed her glasses and looked up. “I have time for a few questions. Yes, in the blue jacket. I apologize that I don’t know your names.”
                “ Major, Maria Torres, Washington Post. What do you mean by (she paused to look down at her notes) ‘the facility has been sterilized?’”
                The Major paused for a second, “This morning, at 4:25 a.m., a tactical bombing of Walter Reed Army Hospital was conducted. The 6900 block of Georgia Avenue is still burning at this time. City and military firemen and security have cordoned off the site. The fire is completely contained and has not spread to any other buildings.”
                “Major, Adam Beleau, Associated Press, how is the disease transmitted?”
                “At this time we know for certain the virus is transmitted by bite. There may be other ways to contract the disease but we are still conducting tests and cannot confirm other forms of transmission at this time.”
                “Ma’am, Brian Gates, Huffington Post. Does everyone bitten contract the virus?”
                “Our information at this time indicates the transmission rate is 100%.”
                Exclamations broke out around the room.
                “Major, Lindsey Hudson, Newsweek. We know that many pending Haitian adoptions were fast tracked in the aftermath of the earthquake. Should these children be considered potential carriers?”
                “The best answer to that is yes. Anyone from the earthquake zone should be treated with extreme caution, including relief workers. We also have reports of refugees fleeing the island in boats that marine police with British overseas territories have intercepted. These people are in holding facilities but their health status is unknown.”
                “Major, John Garret, Fox News. Where are the evacuees from Walter Reed being kept and how long will they be quarantined?”
                “No one was evacuated from the facility.” There was a brief, shocked silence as everyone took in what that meant. “I apologize but I have other obligations this morning. We will continue to provide updates with new information as it becomes available. Please, pray for our country and for our world.” Reporters continued to shout questions as the Major exited the room.
                Virginia sat back on the sofa, stunned. For a few seconds everything went dark. She put her head down and took deep breaths. She knew that Ian sometimes liaised with the military on security projects and hospitals were one of his areas of concern and she frantically tried to remember if he had ever mentioned anything about Walter Reed. Hands trembling, she grabbed the phone and called his cell. The phone rang twice then went to static. Remembering the e-mails she pulled up her inbox to check the time they were sent,