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.

SSS eyes hiring of PWDs in branches, offices in 2023

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The Social Security System (SSS) announced on Friday that it plans to hire additional Persons with Disability (PWDs) in its branches and offices.

SSS President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said that even as the SSS is compliant with the Magna Carta for PWDs, it continues to look for other ways to encourage the active participation of PWDs in the society.


“As one of the country’s primary providers of meaningful social security protection to Filipino workers, we can attest to the importance of having gainful work during your younger years not only to make ends meet but also to secure your future,” Macasaet said. “Having this in mind, we want to do our part in helping PWDs obtain this right by providing them with more employment opportunities in our offices.”


The SSS will coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD’s) National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and other agencies and organizations that share the same goals, to disseminate vacancy announcements, to facilitate the hiring of PWDs, and to ensure the provision of special facilities.


The SSS is a state-run social insurance institution that extends social security protection to Filipino workers in the private and informal sectors. Under the Social Security Act of 2018, it provides seven benefit programs namely Sickness, Maternity, Unemployment, Retirement, Disability, Death, and Funeral, as well as loan privileges.

As of December 2022, the SSS has 279 local and 28 foreign offices staffed by 6,525 regular employees.

DOH calls for polio, measles outbreak prevention to protect children

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Vaccines are effective in stopping the spread of measles, rubella and polio in communities.

The Department of Health - Metro Manila Center for Health Department (DOH-MMCHD) warned the public of an impending polio and measles outbreak this year if not addressed immediately.

During the online media partner's meeting on Thursday, April 13, the DOH-MMCHD 2022 data showed a notable 160 percent increase in cases of rubella and measles compared to 2021, which calls for Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIA) to prevent an outbreak of the diseases.

According to DOH-MMCHD, millions of children were not able to get vaccinated during the pandemic, and the number of unvaccinated children is increasing because of the delays in vaccination brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.





It can be recalled that Polio attacks the spinal cord and nerves of muscles in the feet/legs, which causes paralysis. The infection may also ascend and affect the muscles of breathing including the diaphragm causing difficulty breathing. Polio is dangerous especially for children younger than 5 years old.

On the other hand, Rubella or "tigdas-hangin" is an infectious virus that can infect pregnant women. This may cause the mother to lose her child or give birth to a child with congenital malformations.

Meanwhile, Measles or "tigdas" may cause severe complications including blindness, encephalitis, ear infection, and pneumonia. It can also cause death.

DOH-MMCHD noted that many children will be in danger if the spread of these diseases is not prevented. An outbreak of polio, rubella, and measles may also happen.

"We would need additional budget, personnel, and resources to address the outbreak while the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing," DOH-MMCHD stated.

"Our health personnel will be overburdened with the possible surge of patients in facilities... facilities will not be enough, and adequate medical attention may not be provided due to the volume of patients," DOH-MMCHD added.

To avoid the possible effects of widespread dissemination and infection of the said diseases, the DOH-MMCHD will be conducting a vaccination campaign from May 1-31, 2023 in health centers and assigned temporary vaccination posts nationwide. Vaccination teams will also go house-to-house to encourage the vaccination of children from 0 o 59 months old.





All children will be given supplemental doses. Measles-Rubella Vaccine will be given to 9-59 months old, while Oral Polio vaccine will be given to 0-59 months old.
The activity shall be synchronized and completed within 4 weeks including rapid convenience monitoring (RCM), mop ups for missed children, follow-ups of deferred children and for refusals.