What You Need to Know About Zombie Virus Symptoms

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes 56 seconds

What is a Zombie Virus?

The term “zombie virus” is often used to describe strange and aggressive behavior in animals. However, this expression is not a scientific nomenclature. This expression is sometimes used on television or the internet to attract attention and gain viewers.

Since the behaviors referred to by the zombie virus are mostly seen in deer among animals, this disease is also called “deer virus” or “zombie deer disease”. Scientifically, the condition is known as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD ) and is caused by prions, misfolded proteins that cause brain damage.

Affecting animals such as deer and moose, CWD first gradually impairs their physical condition and neurological functioning. The word zombie in the term “zombie virus” comes from the stunned appearance of these animals and the repetitive and sometimes aggressive behavior of zombie depictions in popular culture.

Where Was the Zombie Virus Discovered and How Did It Spread?

Chronic Wasting Disease was first detected in deer in Colorado. However, it then spread to various parts of America and other continents. This spread has occurred because the virus persists in its environment for long periods and can spread through bodily fluids, feces, and even contaminated soil.

In recent years, there have been concerns expressed by some scientists and in the media that old viruses, also called “zombie viruses”, are re-emerging after melting permafrost in places like Siberia. While these viruses have nothing to do with CWD, the prospect of a virus emerging after being frozen for thousands of years to infect living organisms continues to intrigue the public. Even if no ancient “zombie virus” has caused any disease in humans, the discovery of these viruses is important in terms of suggesting the potential consequences of global warming and climate change on microbial life.

Returning to the CWD virus, this virus is a highly resistant virus that can persist in the environment for very long periods of time. Therefore, it is very important to monitor wildlife populations and limit animal contact in closed environments to prevent the spread of this virus.

What are the Symptoms of Zombie Virus?

Symptoms of the zombie virus (CWD) in deer and moose manifest as physical and behavioral differences and worsen over time. The disease has a very long incubation period, which can result in the presence of the disease not being recognized for months and sometimes even years.

When symptoms appear after the incubation period, the following conditions may be observed:

• Severe weight loss: Although the diet of infected animals does not change, they rapidly lose weight and appear malnourished.
• Stumbling or lack of coordination: The disease affects the nervous system, making movement difficult and unstable.
• Floppy ears and blank stares: Animals may act disoriented or stare blankly, contributing to their zombie-like appearance.
• Excessive drooling or thirst: Neurological damage to the animal’s body can interfere with normal salivary and metabolic processes.
• Lack of fear of humans: Infected animals can lose their instincts and exhibit abnormal behavior even when approaching humans.

These symptoms are progressive and ultimately fatal. Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure or vaccine for this disease.

How can the zombie virus be diagnosed in animals?

A definitive diagnosis of CWD in a suspected infected animal is not possible while the animal is still alive. With today’s possibilities, a definitive diagnosis can only be made after the animal dies and samples taken from its brain, lymph nodes, and spinal cord are examined.

Although not conclusive, veterinarians can predict the presence of CWD by examining the animal’s physical signs and behavior before death.

Can Zombie Virus Occur in Humans?

So far, no cases of human infection with the CWD virus have been recorded. However, since this virus has similar characteristics to mad cow disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy), there is an understandable concern that it could mutate and pose a risk of transmission to humans. For this reason, experts warn against eating the meat of animals infected with CWD and those who care for wild animals should also be cautious.

Could the Zombie Virus Cause a Global Pandemic?

As can be understood from the articles so far, CWD is unlikely to spread among humans and turn into a global pandemic. It also differs from respiratory droplet diseases such as influenza and coronavirus.

Although it is remembered for its extraordinary resilience and very long incubation periods, studies so far have concluded that these viruses do not pose a risk to humans, at least at this stage.

As a result, although “zombie virus” is a catchy word and a headline preferred over CWD or Chronic Wasting Disease, such a thriller scenario does not seem realistic at the moment. However, the emergence of the disease and the studies conducted on this axis emphasize the existence of important ecological problems that should not be ignored.