Parents prank son, tell him he has Ebola
We're already well aware that Ebola is nothing to joke about.
But when an Ebola prank is made in the privacy of your own home, who's to judge? Tens of thousands of YouTube viewers, that's who.
A short video posted on Wednesday shows what appears to be a family at home, crowded into a hallway. The mom, wearing a mask over her face, is reading the temperature of her tween-age son who stands before her with a doe-eyed fear.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"Look at his temperature," she says to the man behind the camera. "Oh hell no," he says. "This one's got Ebola."
The kid immediately lets out a long, painful wail. Well, technically, he breaks down before the dad even says the word "Ebola," but perhaps he'd been prepared for this dire diagnosis. There's no "gotcha!" caught on camera, only the slowed-down version of the boy's tears.
While there's a chance the video is simply a decently acted family skit, I couldn't help but giggle. But you can judge for yourself. --Lauren Hansen
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Bonnie Blue, Andrew Tate and a new cult of sex extremism
Talking Point OnlyFans adult worker and male misogynist have 'plenty in common' claims commentator
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The UK's best exhibitions and shows to visit in 2025
The Week Recommends These are the most exciting events in the cultural calendar
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Decrepit train stations across the US are being revitalized
Under the Radar These buildings function as hotels, restaurants and even museums
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published