THE DOOMSDAY BUG
That is the name of the book I am writing right now. It is a novel that addresses the event known as a "Zombie Apocalypse". While I am sure that the Hollywood version of this could never happen simply because it defies natural laws, I wondered if something like it could happen that did comply with natural laws.
While there are many viruses, bacteria, parasites, and toxins that could account for one or two of the typical zombie behaviors we see in movies such as Resident Evil, Dawn of the Dead, and even the latest film, World War Z, there are none that encompass most of them.
There are certain rules that must apply to any infectious agent that could produce a zombie-like disease. First, it cannot kill off its host too quickly. It must promote the spread of the infecting agent in an efficient manner. Any physical changes cannot jeopardize survival of the host. There can be no supernatural explanations. Everything must be grounded in real-life.
The infecting agent must come from what is available. Organisms can mutate (esp viruses) but these mutations are subtle and generally only affect virulence or jumping species. Also, any symptoms due to infection take place, at best, 2-3 days after innoculation. Turning into zombies within minutes of a bite simply cannot occur as it requires the infectious organism to reproduce in sufficient numbers to have a whole body effect. Typical lag phase time is 5-7 days. Ebola ( which is a very aggressive virus, takes about 3 days to show symptoms).
My research has led me to the conclusion that a zombie-type disease is not possible with a single agent. There is nothing out there in nature of itself that can do the things required to create that disease.
Unfortunately for humanity, I believe I have found a way for a zombie-type pandemic to occur. Call it a "perfect storm" scenario, but it could happen. In fact, smaller versions of the scenario have happened in the past and even recently (look up mousepox fiasco).
In the book, I will reveal the scenario, the causes, and the results based on real pandemic mortality rates. I will also reveal the the organism(s) responsible.
The truth is far more terrifying than fiction....trust me.
