I dunno. Wouldn't surprise me if the Red Cross were the source. Grow their own in a lab. Or secretly get it from pigs or cats.

Now it looks like it may all be nonsense. Bloodwork comes back today that the whole series of events is likely caused by overmedication. This is no surprise and relieving, I guess. Especially since leeches aren't practical, anyway. The hematologist says that medical leeches are available in this area, though. He wasn't aware of the low capacity/animal. Didn't know exactly how they were applied. I got a clear impression he had no intention of finding out, either.

Oh, well. Back to disease-in-folksong.

Permanent (and terminal) pregnancy
       Willie's Lady [Child 6] (remove "binding" charms & magic)
Love-sickness
       The Brown Girl [Child 295](The 'brown, brown girl's' pardon but she's content that he dies and refuses to forgive)
       Bonny Barbara Allen [Child 84](send for Barb. It's too late, though)