The Scourge Virus was a virus created by Coalition of Planets of the Viltrumite empire. The virus infected almost the entirety of the Viltrumite population, 99.9% of the population dying from infection or as a result of the virus causing Viltrumite strength and invulnerability to become greatly diminished. An improved strain of The Scourge virus that would bypass any immunity is, as of Invincible #67, has been developed. Mark would be infected with such virus, but eventually fight it off due to his royal bloodline. He would lose his powers, but eventually regain them