Could the 'zombie fungus' from The Last of Us exist in real life?

Should we be worried about fungal diseases causing a pandemic?

'Zombie fungus' on wall.
(Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)

HBO's The Last of Us depicts a "zombie fungus" which has led the world into ruin. Unlike the typical monster-like zombies often depicted in media, the zombies in The Last of Us have been infected by a fungus that takes control of people's bodies and minds. The creepy infections and resulting dystopia have many viewers wondering: how realistic is this scenario and could this potentially happen in real life? Here's everything you need to know:

Is there such a thing as a 'zombie fungus?'

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Devika Rao, The Week US

 Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.