Too late, then. What is left of the individual crumbles away, though the memory of its outstretched hand will linger far longer in her mind, burned there to consider. Time is not on their side; more will follow if something cannot be done. For a moment, that truth grips her. Then, her expression steels, and she further approaches.

"If they could have been saved--" Could they have, however? That's making an assumption. "How many more are in such a state and close to death? Surely something can be done to try to halt this sickness."

Even if a cure isn't possible, surely something can slow the degradation of their bodies.