Newt became infected with the Flare virus because it is an airborne pathogen, and he was exposed to it in the city or other contaminated areas where he encountered Cranks or breathed infected air.
Understanding the Method of Infection
Newt's infection did not occur through a bite, a common misconception for many fictional virus outbreaks. Instead, his susceptibility stemmed from the very nature of the Flare virus itself. As confirmed by Ava in the movie, the virus primarily spreads through the air, making it incredibly pervasive and difficult to avoid for non-immune individuals.
Key aspects of Newt's infection:
- Airborne Transmission: The Flare virus is an airborne pathogen, meaning it spreads through tiny particles in the air, similar to how many common respiratory illnesses are transmitted. This makes direct physical contact like a bite unnecessary for infection. For more information on how airborne diseases spread, you can refer to general public health guidelines on airborne disease transmission.
- Environmental Exposure: Newt most likely contracted the virus in highly contaminated environments, such as the ravaged cities or other locations where he was significantly exposed to Cranks or breathed air that was heavily laden with the viral particles.
- Lack of Immunity: Crucially, Newt was not among the rare few who possessed natural immunity to the Flare. This absence of immunity meant that once he was exposed to the airborne virus, his body was unable to fight it off, leading to infection.
Key Factors in Newt's Contraction of the Flare
The table below summarizes the critical elements that led to Newt's infection:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Transmission Type | The Flare is an airborne virus, not spread through bites or direct fluid exchange. |
| Exposure Location | Infection likely occurred in the city or other heavily contaminated areas. |
| Source of Exposure | Exposure to Cranks (infected individuals) or breathing contaminated air. |
| Immunity Status | Newt was not immune to the Flare virus, making him vulnerable to infection upon exposure. |
The widespread airborne nature of the Flare virus meant that for those without natural immunity, simply existing in an infected environment posed a significant and constant threat, leading to tragic outcomes for many, including Newt.
