Plague Inc: Zombie Symptoms

In the realm of popular culture, the bacterium that causes the Black Death has been given a grim twist, transforming vaccinated humans into flesh-hungry zombies in the hit game, Plague Inc. This Troopers scenario has sparked curiosity about what zombie symptoms might look like in a real-world context inspired by the bacteria's original properties.

Despite being a work of fiction, exploring the symptoms of a 'Plague Inc.' zombie infection allows us to delve into the unique characteristics and effects of the Yersinia pestis bacterium, the cause of the Black Death. By understanding its real-world properties, we can gain insight into how our fascination with zombie lore might translate into something plausible, albeit fortunately fictional.

Early Stages of Infection

The first signs of infection are often deceivingly mild, mimicking common illnesses. This is one of the Yersinia pestis bacterium's most dangerous traits – it can quickly spread undetected.

In a Plague Inc. scenario, these early symptoms could translate to general fatigue, aches, and mild fever. These vague symptoms might not raise alarm bells immediately, but they set the stage for the horror to come.

Bubonic Plague

The most well-known form of plague, bubonic plague, is characterized by the formation of painful, inflamed lymph nodes called buboes – the 'boils' that give the form its name. In a zombie context, these buboes could manifest as disfiguring, certifying the horror of the transformation.

Buboes typically appear in the groin, armpits, and neck, and may leak bloody or pus-like fluid. This gruesome appearance could explain the horrifying decay often depicted in zombie fiction. However, it's essential to remember that plumbing these depths of infection require direct contact with an infected individual or flea bites – not death by zombie bite.

Septicemic Plague

A rapid and lethal progression of plague, septicemic plague, occurs when the bacterium enters the bloodstream quickly. This form bypasses the lymphatic system and causes small blood clots to form under the skin, creating a mottled, purplish discoloration.

In a zombie apocalypse, septicemic plague could explain the discoloration and deterioration of the skin, reflecting the body's systemic failure. However, its rapid onset and high mortality rate (up to 100% without treatment) suggest it might not be a form that allows for a slow, shambling undead.

Neurosyphilis: The Brain's Turn

The brain isn't immune to the bacterium's infectious charms, as seen in neurosyphilis. This advanced stage of syphilis involves the bacterium trekking up to the brain, causing inflammation and damage.

In a world where the undead roam, neurosyphilis could explain the erratic, aggressive behavior often attributed to zombies. The brain damage caused by the infection might leave survivors unaffected physically but profoundly impaired mentally.

Dementia and Aggression

Neurosyphilis can lead to dementia, transforming an individual into a shell of their former self, with cognitive functions severely compromised. Applied to Plague Inc. zombies, this symptom could reflect the vacant, confusion-laced stare often depicted in film and media.

Increased aggression, another symptom of neurosyphilis, might fuel the voracious hunger for human flesh. With cognitive functions degraded, impulse control might be non-existent, dovetailing with the zombies' single-minded focus on sating their hunger.

While the idea of a Plague Inc. zombie outbreak is excitingly gloomy, it's essential to remember that it's a work of fiction, and we have robust medical treatments to combat plague in real life. Staying up-to-date with vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and keeping our immune systems healthy is the best way to prevent any such plague from turning us into the walking dead. The next epidemic might just be a mobile game apart.