Shanti virus

Shanti virus
Molly's virus shows on a monitor.
First mentioned:	Six Months Ago

The "Shanti virus" is a life-threatening disease that attacks the blood cells. One of its side effects is that it prevents evolved humans who have the disease from using their abilities. Shanti Suresh is the first known victim.

About

Seven Minutes to Midnight

After Chandra's funeral, Mohinder first learns from his mother about his sister Shanti, who died from the virus two years after he was born.

Homecoming

During a dream, Mohinder witnesses a conversation Nirand and Chandra have about Shanti and her death--Nirand tells him to let go.

Six Months Ago

Chandra tells Mr. Bennet about a genetic defect in his daughter, Shanti, which resulted in her untimely death and his interest in evolved humans. Chandra calls the mutation a "genetic anomaly".

The Hard Part

Thompson tells Mohinder about Molly and her virus, which Shanti also had. Thompson explains that the virus destroys the nervous system. Mohinder is unable to find a cure, until he realizes that he is the cure. He gives Molly a sample of his blood.

Landslide

Healed, Molly's ability is unlocked, and she proves it by locating Matt Parkman.

How to Stop an Exploding Man

Mohinder tells Mr. Bennet that the antibodies in his blood are what cured Molly.

Molly relapses and Mohinder gives her another transfusion. Though Mohinder says it will take some time work, Molly is able to access her power.

Graphic Novel:Blackout, Part 1

Mohinder, inside a New York City hospital, finds a dying patient who is an evolved human. Believing that his sickness is incurable, Mohinder gives his own blood to the patient. The blood cures the patient and releases his ability.

Notes

• The exact name of the virus is unknown. NBC called the illness the "Shanti virus" in a promotional video.
• The characters who have been infected by the virus are:
  • Dying patient (Blackout, Part 1)
  • Shanti Suresh (Homecoming, Six Months Ago, The Hard Part)
  • Molly Walker (The Hard Part)
• To date, all known victims of the disease have been evolved humans. It is not yet clear whether the disease affects only evolved humans.
• So far, whether the disease is contagious or just a congenital condition is not known.
• Antibodies extracted from the blood of Mohinder Suresh have cured at least one victim of the disease, Molly Walker. Mohinder's antibodies also helped revive a dying patient, but his ultimate outcome remains unknown.