Item #: SCP-153
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: Individuals infected with SCP-153 must be kept in biohazard secure rooms and are not permitted to exit the containment area. No skin contact with individuals infected with SCP-153 or with any object they have come in contact with is permitted.
All guards and research staff are to wear biohazard suits in the presence of SCP-153. The surfaces of the biohazard equipment, and any other materials being removed from containment are to be cleaned with UV sterilization equipment and Iodine washes.
Description: SCP-153 is a long, thin parasitic worm with a translucent off white color. Areas more frequently exposed to light develop a slightly yellow tinge. SCP-153 is a self-fertilization capable variety of hermaphroditic roundworm which lays roughly spherical eggs. These eggs measure approx .5 mm in diameter.
SCP-153’s eggs adhere to the surface of human skin using a biological glue. They then begin to mature when exposed to the pheromones, temperatures and bacteria common on the surface of human skin. The eggs mature quicker when regularly exposed to light. The use of tanning equipment has been shown to slow development.
After hatching SCP-153 burrows a small distance under the epidermis. Once situated in a suitable location SCP-153 anchors itself to local nerve tissues and begins to mature.
As SCP-153 matures it grows in an irregular pattern. SCP-153 has been observed as growing slowly thicker during conscious hours, then unfolding into a longer distance during REM atonia. Once anchored SCP-153 is only active during this REM atonia state.
As SCP-153 grows it consumes whatever materials might be in the path of growth. In order to release eggs, SCP-153 surfaces at semi-regular intervals, causing a pattern of exposed areas above the skin alternating with areas where SCP-153 sits under the skin. Because of the way SCP-153 grows it can, occasionally, stitch shut holes and wounds in the skin. It has even been known, in some of it’s more advanced stages, to stitch arms and legs together if there are segments of touching flesh.
Once infected, removal of SCP-153 is extremely difficult and not recommended. SCP-153 anchors itself to the nervous system, making removal extremely painful for the subject and potentially crippling. Also SCP-153 causes an unusual form of biological atrophy during removal procedures, causing limbs that SCP-153 has encircled to fall off as though rotted through at the point of encirclement.
Testing has shown SCP-153's skin to have a higher tensile strength than spider silk; research is still being conducted into its composure.
Addendum:
SCP-153 was first discovered in a woman in █████, ██. Fortunately a Foundation mole in the hospital was able to fake the subject’s death, and coverup procedures were initiated.
Due to the subject’s initial lack of cooperation, a counselor assured her that the Foundation would work on curing her problem, and made a show of obtaining her consent forms. Since then SCP-153 has been declared valuable for Foundation projects, making curing it a tertiary priority.
Despite ██ years of infection with SCP-153, subject #1 is still fully conscious, and capable of limited communication though she must be fed by IV due to her immobility and the sealing of her mouth by SCP-153. Still, quantities of SCP-153 can be cut away without causing her harm.
Due to this fact, and due to SCP-153’s toughness it is the recommendation of O5-█ that SCP-153 be harvested and sterilized for use. Members of the local populace might be more docile and suited to this duty then class D personnel acquired through normal channels.