What Happens If You Eat Zombie Flesh

2 min read 28-12-2024

Let's be clear: there are no zombies. The fictional creatures of horror movies and video games are not a real-world threat. However, the question of what would happen if one were to consume zombie flesh is a fascinating (and morbidly curious) thought experiment, allowing us to explore the real dangers of consuming contaminated or diseased tissue.

The Fictional Scenario

In popular culture, consuming zombie flesh leads to zombification—a transformation into a flesh-eating undead creature. This is purely fiction. But the underlying premise – the transmission of a disease through consumption – is a valid concern in the real world.

Real-World Parallels: Zoonoses and Prion Diseases

While zombieism isn't real, several real-world diseases highlight the dangers of consuming infected animal tissue.

Zoonoses: Diseases Jumping Species

Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can spread from animals to humans. Many are transmitted through consumption of contaminated meat, like:

Mad Cow Disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy or BSE): This fatal prion disease, affecting cattle, can be transmitted to humans through consuming infected beef products, causing variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD).
Trichinellosis: Caused by parasitic worms found in undercooked meat (particularly pork), trichinosis can cause muscle pain, fever, and gastrointestinal problems.
Toxoplasmosis: This parasitic disease can be contracted from undercooked meat or contact with cat feces. It can be especially dangerous for pregnant women.

Prion Diseases: The Protein Nightmare

Prion diseases are particularly frightening because they are caused by misfolded proteins, which are incredibly resistant to degradation. These misfolded proteins can trigger a chain reaction, causing other proteins to misfold, ultimately leading to severe neurological damage and death. BSE and vCJD are examples of these devastating illnesses.

The Hypothetical Zombie Feast: A Confluence of Dangers

If we were to apply the principles of zoonotic and prion diseases to a hypothetical zombie scenario, consuming zombie flesh would pose several severe risks:

Unknown pathogens: The fictional "zombie virus" likely carries numerous unknown and potentially deadly pathogens. Ingestion could lead to a wide range of unpredictable and devastating consequences.
Decomposition and bacterial contamination: Decomposing flesh harbors high levels of bacteria, which could lead to severe infections, sepsis, and even death.
Parasites: The body of a deceased human, even before decomposition, could contain various parasites which can cause serious illness.
Trauma: The act of obtaining zombie flesh itself could result in significant injuries.

Conclusion

While the zombie apocalypse is fictional, the real-world dangers of consuming infected or contaminated meat are very real. Proper food handling and preparation, including thorough cooking, are crucial steps in preventing foodborne illnesses. So, while the prospect of eating zombie flesh makes for a thrilling horror story, avoiding contaminated food in reality is essential for your health and well-being.