What caused zombies in The Last of Us?

What Caused Zombies in The Last of Us?

The Last of Us, a critically acclaimed video game, tells the story of a post-apocalyptic world where a fungal infection has turned humans into zombie-like creatures. The game’s narrative revolves around the struggle for survival in a world overrun by these infected humans. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of what caused the zombie outbreak in The Last of Us.

The Cordyceps Fungus

The primary cause of the zombie outbreak in The Last of Us is a fungal infection known as Cordyceps. This fungus, also referred to as Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, is a real-life species that infects insects and spiders. In the game, the Cordyceps fungus is mutated to infect humans, causing them to become violent and aggressive.

How the Infection Spreads

The infection spreads through contact with the spores of the Cordyceps fungus. When a human comes into contact with the spores, they become infected and eventually turn into a zombie-like creature. The fungus grows inside the human’s body, eventually taking control of their actions and turning them into a mindless, violent creature.

The Outbreak

The outbreak of the Cordyceps fungus in The Last of Us is attributed to a combination of factors, including:

• Global warming: Climate change is believed to have contributed to the spread of the fungus, allowing it to thrive in new environments.
• Human error: The game’s story suggests that human error, such as the improper disposal of infected bodies, allowed the fungus to spread quickly.
• Lack of preparedness: The world was not prepared for the outbreak, leading to a rapid spread of the infection.

Symptoms of Infection

In the game, the symptoms of infection include:

• Aggressive behavior: Infected humans become violent and aggressive, attacking those around them.
• Loss of cognitive function: Infected humans lose their ability to think and reason, becoming mindless and driven solely by their baser instincts.
• Physical changes: Infected humans undergo physical changes, such as increased strength and speed, as well as changes to their appearance.

Prevention and Treatment

In the game, there is no known cure for the Cordyceps fungus. The only way to prevent infection is through the use of protective gear, such as masks and gloves, and avoiding contact with infected individuals. Once infected, the only treatment is to eliminate the infected individual, either through combat or quarantine.

Conclusion

The Last of Us is a gripping tale of survival in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by a fungal infection. The Cordyceps fungus is a real-life species that has been known to infect insects and spiders, but its mutation to infect humans is purely fictional. The game’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of preparedness and the devastating consequences of a global pandemic.

Additional Resources

• World Health Organization. (2022). Cordyceps Fungus.
• National Geographic. (2022). Cordyceps Fungus: The Zombie Ant Fungus.
• The Last of Us Wiki. (2022). Cordyceps Fungus.