Human Zombism Virus

The Human Zombism Virus (HZV) is a zoonotic virus belonging to the order Mononegavirales. It is a negative-strand RNA virus that shares similarities with viruses causing Ebola, measles, and rabies. HZV is unique in its ability to cause drastic physiological and behavioral changes in its hosts, transforming them into what are commonly known as "zombies."
HZV is notable for its method of replication, which involves reverse transcription of its RNA genome into DNA, which is then integrated into the host's genome. This process effectively turns the virus into a provirus, allowing it to direct the host cell to produce new virions.
The virus causes a rapid and severe transformation in its hosts, progressing through three distinct stages: initial symptoms, coma, and transformation. The end result is a host with significantly altered physiology, behavior, and appearance, driven by an insatiable hunger for flesh.

Transmission & Vectors

• Initially spread to humans by ticks from the family Ixodidae
• Can be transmitted through bites from infected animals or humans
• Capable of surviving in freestanding water for up to three months
• Potential threat to water supplies

Causes

• Infection by the Human Zombism Virus (HZV)

Symptoms

Stage One (1-2 hours post-infection):

• Headache, fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms
• Extreme thirst and itching
• Increased heart rate and metabolism

Stage Two (4-6 hours):

• Coma with extremely high fever
• Cardiac arrest at midpoint
• Severe reduction in metabolic functions

Stage Three (Transformation):

• Awakening in a catatonic state
• Loss of higher cognitive functions
• Insatiable hunger for flesh
• Altered nervous and circulatory systems
• Gradual decay of body tissues
• Enhanced olfactory senses
• Degradation of vision, hearing, and touch
• Increased muscle strength, especially in hands, forearms, and jaw
• Inability to feel pain

Treatment

None currently known.

Prognosis

• Irreversible transformation into a "zombie" state
• Gradual decay of body leading to true death within approximately one year

Sequela

• Complete loss of higher cognitive functions
• Insatiable hunger for flesh
• Altered physiology, including non-functioning heart and restructured circulatory system
• Progressive decay of body tissues and organs
• Loss of most senses except smell
• Inability to urinate, leading to eventual bladder rupture

Hosts & Carriers

• Primary host: Humans
• Initial vector: Ticks from the family Ixodidae
• Potential animal carriers: rats, raccoons, and other animals bitten by infected ticks

Prevention

Avoidance of vectors is the only known prevention method.

Epidemiology

• Originated in tropical regions, including Haiti
• Historical outbreaks mentioned, including 1863 Vicksburg, Mississippi
• Potential for larger outbreaks noted but not yet observed in modern times

History

• Linked to Haitian voodoo legends of reanimated corpses
• Possible connection to various zombie portrayals in Western media
• Historical outbreak during the American Civil War (1863) in Vicksburg, Mississippi

Related investigation: The Zombie

Origin

Natural

Rarity

Uncommon