Cordyceps fungus causes zombie outbreak in The Last of Us

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The Last of Us is a popular video game that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the majority of humanity has been wiped out by a deadly virus.

“The Last of Us” on HBO envisions a pandemic with a twist: It's a fungus, not a virus that wipes out much of civilization with terrifying speed. The pathogen takes over the brains and bodies of infected people, turning them into violent monsters that sprout tendrils from their mouths.

The virus has transformed people into vicious, zombie-like creatures, who are referred to as the infected. The game follows the story of Joel, a smuggler, and Ellie, a young girl who is immune to the virus, as they try to survive and find a cure. But what caused the outbreak in the first place? In this article, we will explore the cause of the zombie outbreak in The Last of Us.

The cause of the outbreak in The Last of Us is a fictionalized version of the Cordyceps fungus. Cordyceps are a real fungus that infects insects, such as ants and beetles, and takes over their bodies. In The Last of Us, the Cordyceps fungus has mutated and can now infect humans, turning them into aggressive, zombie-like creatures.

The Cordyceps fungus in the game is highly contagious and is spread through spores that are released by infected individuals. Once a person inhales the spores, the fungus begins to grow and spread throughout their body, eventually taking over their brain and turning them into a "Clicker," one of the most dangerous types of infected in the game.

It is not entirely clear how the Cordyceps fungus mutated to infect humans in The Last of Us. However, it is suggested in the game that the fungus was originally developed as a biological weapon by the military to control populations. The weapon was supposed to target specific ethnic groups, but the fungus mutated and got out of control, infecting everyone in its path.

Another theory suggests that the fungus was spread accidentally by humans who were trying to study it. The fungus was being researched in a lab, and somehow, it escaped and infected the researchers. From there, it spread to the general population and caused the outbreak.

Regardless of how the outbreak started, the result was catastrophic. Within a short period, the world was plunged into chaos, and most of the population was wiped out. The few remaining survivors were forced to fend for themselves, living in fear of the infected and other dangers in the post-apocalyptic world.

In conclusion, the cause of the zombie outbreak in The Last of Us is a fictionalized version of the Cordyceps fungus. The fungus has mutated to infect humans, turning them into aggressive, zombie-like creatures that are highly contagious. While the exact cause of the outbreak is not entirely clear, it is suggested in the game that the fungus was developed as a biological weapon or spread accidentally through research. The outbreak resulted in the collapse of society and forced survivors to live in a world filled with danger and uncertainty.

When the Cordyceps fungus infects an insect, it takes over the host's body, manipulating its behavior to ensure the fungus's survival. For example, the fungus can cause the host to climb to a high location before dying, which increases the chances of spores spreading to other insects.

There are over 400 species of Cordyceps fungi, and they are found all over the world, particularly in tropical regions. The fungus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is believed to have various health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and improving energy levels.

While the Cordyceps fungus typically infects insects, there have been some documented cases of it infecting mammals, such as mice and rabbits. However, there has been no evidence to suggest that the fungus can infect humans.

In The Last of Us, the Cordyceps fungus has been fictionalized to infect humans, and the concept of a fungus taking over the human body is purely speculative. However, it is not entirely impossible for a fungus to infect humans, as there are many examples of fungi causing diseases in humans. For example, the fungus Candida can cause thrush and other infections, while Aspergillus can cause lung infections.

That being said, the idea of a fungus taking over the human body and turning them into a zombie-like creature is highly unlikely. The human immune system is incredibly complex and sophisticated, and it is designed to detect and destroy foreign invaders, such as fungi and viruses. While there have been cases of fungal infections in humans, the immune system is usually able to fight off the infection, particularly if it is caught early.

In conclusion, while the Cordyceps fungus is a real fungus that infects insects, there is no evidence to suggest that it can infect humans. The idea of a fungus taking over the human body and turning them into a zombie-like creature is purely speculative and highly unlikely. Nonetheless, the concept has provided an interesting and unique premise for The Last of Us video game.