Hate Disease

Hate Disease is a science fiction novella by Murray Leinster, first published in August 1963 in Analog Science Fact and Fiction. The story follows Dr. Calhoun and his pet tormal, Murgatroyd, as they conduct health inspections on colonial planets. Upon arriving at Tallien Three, they encounter a mutated human species known as the Paras, which the locals mistakenly believe to be a pandemic of demonic possession. Calhoun must navigate the dangers of this new threat while trying to uncover the truth behind the transformations.