Zanthi fever was a virus that targeted the empathic abilities of mature Betazoids. It caused the Betazoid to project their own emotions onto others but only in those individuals where a latent propensity for that emotion was present. A simple wide-spectrum anti-viral agent was enough to cure the condition.
In 2371, during a visit to Deep Space 9 during the Bajoran Gratitude Festival, Lwaxana Troi projected her feelings for Odo onto several members of the station's population. As a result, Jake Sisko developed feelings for Major Kira Nerys, Vedek Bareil lusted for Lieutenant Jadzia Dax, Dax became attracted to Commander Benjamin Sisko, Miles O'Brien became jealous of his wife and a colleague, Doctor Julian Bashir coupled up with Major Kira, and Quark went for Keiko O'Brien. Constable Odo seemed immune to the effects. (DS9: "Fascination")
In 2381, when emotional outbursts occurred among the crew of the USS Cerritos while the ship was escorting Betazoid intelligence agents (under cover as diplomats) Katrot, Cathiw, and Dolorex from Angel I to Risa, Provisional Lieutenant jg T'Lyn proposed Zanthi Fever as the cause. Scans for the virus were negative, and the true source of the psychic disturbance turned out to be T'Lyn herself, who was experiencing Bendii Syndrome-like symptoms. She noted that although Vulcans couldn't contract Zanthi Fever, Bendii Syndrome was among similar conditions that did affect Vulcans. (LD: "Empathological Fallacies")
External link[]
- Zanthi fever at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works