Top 5 Deadliest Diseases That Can Turn You into a Zombie

Zombies are a popular topic in movies, TV shows, and video games, but what if the idea of a zombie outbreak becoming a reality wasn’t so far-fetched? There are several diseases in the world that can turn people into something that resembles zombies, and they are all very deadly. In this article, we will discuss the top five deadly diseases that can turn you into a zombie.

1. Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. It is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite. Once a person is infected with rabies, the symptoms can take weeks or even months to appear. The symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, muscle weakness, and even hallucinations. In its later stages, the symptoms can resemble those of a zombie, with aggression and delirium being some of the most apparent signs. In some cases, people infected with rabies have been known to attack other humans, giving some credit to the belief in zombie outbreaks.

2. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease(CJD)

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease is a rare, degenerative, and fatal brain disorder that affects about one in a million people worldwide. It’s believed to be caused by an abnormal protein called a prion, which infects the brain and causes cells to die. The symptoms of CJD include memory loss, personality changes, and impaired vision, coordination, and speech. In the end stages of the disease, the sufferer may become bedridden and unresponsive, with muscle spasms and increased reflexes, which are similar symptoms to those seen in classic zombie movies.

3. Necrotizing Fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating bacteria, is a rare but highly deadly bacterial infection that affects the skin, soft tissue, and muscle. The bacteria enter the body through even minor cuts or abrasions and rapidly spread, causing severe destruction of nearby tissue. The symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis include severe pain, redness, swelling, and fever. In its advanced stages, the infected area can become blackened and necrotic, similar to what is seen in zombie fiction.

4. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe, often fatal viral illness that spreads through bodily fluids. Symptoms begin with fever, muscle pain, and headaches, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and internal/external bleeding. The virus destroys the immune system, causing victims to bleed from their eyes, ears, nose, and other orifices. In some cases, survivors of Ebola have been known to experience long-lasting neurological effects, which could lead to an array of symptoms, including zombie-like behavior.

5. Kuru Disease

Kuru Disease is a fatal prion disease that was once prevalent among the Fore people of Papua New Guinea and is caused by the ingestion of infected human tissue. It affects the brain and nervous system and has been known to cause neurological symptoms such as tremors, difficulty walking, and dementia. In its later stages, the patient may become unable to speak or move and may even have difficulty swallowing, which is also similar to what is depicted in zombie fiction.

Conclusion

While the idea of a zombie outbreak happening in reality is unlikely, the diseases listed above have serious and often fatal consequences for those who contract them. It’s essential to understand and recognize the symptoms of each of these diseases to ensure that we can recognize them in ourselves or others to get medical attention quickly. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when protecting against diseases.