How does a human become a bloater?

How Does a Human Become a Bloater?

The Last of Us, a critically acclaimed video game and TV series, has captured the attention of audiences worldwide with its gripping storyline and terrifying infected humans. One of the most feared stages of infection is the bloater, a rare and deadly form of the Cordyceps fungus that can turn humans into mindless, zombie-like creatures. In this article, we will delve into the process of how a human becomes a bloater.

Direct Answer:
A human becomes a bloater if they continue to live for an excessively long time after being infected with the Cordyceps fungus. The infection takes roughly a year to reach this stage, and the host body nears death before the fungus blooms and releases spores.

The Infection Process

The infection process begins when a human is bitten or exposed to the Cordyceps fungus through its spores. The fungus infects the brain and central nervous system, causing the host to become violent and aggressive. As the infection progresses, the host’s body begins to decay, and they become increasingly disfigured.

Stages of Infection

There are three stages of infection in The Last of Us:

• Runner: The first stage of infection, characterized by rapid movement and a high level of aggression.
• Stalker: The second stage, marked by increased paranoia and a slower pace.
• Bloater: The final stage, where the host’s body is severely decomposed, and they release spores to infect others.

Becoming a Bloater

Yearly Timeline

The process of becoming a bloater takes approximately one year, with the following timeline:

• 0-3 months: The infection takes hold, and the host becomes a runner.
• 3-6 months: The host becomes a stalker, exhibiting increased paranoia and aggression.
• 6-12 months: The host’s body begins to decay, and they become a bloater, releasing spores to infect others.

Key Points

• Immunity: Ellie, the protagonist, is immune to the infection due to her mother’s bite on her thigh before childbirth.
• Longevity: The length of time it takes to become a bloater depends on various factors, including the host’s health and the strength of the infection.
• Decomposition: The host’s body begins to decompose in the final stages of infection, making them increasingly disfigured and unrecognizable.

Conclusion

Becoming a bloater is a rare and terrifying fate in The Last of Us. The process is slow and agonizing, with the host’s body decaying and releasing spores to infect others. Understanding the stages of infection and the timeline of becoming a bloater can help fans of the game better appreciate the horror and urgency of the story.

Table: Stages of Infection

References

• The Last of Us (Video Game)
• The Last of Us (TV Series)
• The Last of Us Fandom (FAQ)

Note: The information provided is based on the game and TV series, and may not be accurate in real-life scenarios.