Is a Zombie outbreak possible?

Question

So this guy I know just bought the book "The Zombie Survival Guide"--and it claims the "solanum virus" is real. Does anyone have any information as to if I'm right and he's wrong or vise-versa? I think it's all ridiculous.

Answer 1

The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection From the Living Dead, published in 2003, is a FICTITIOUS survival manual that deals with the potentiality of an undead attack. Its author, Max Brooks, lays out detailed plans for the average citizen to survive zombie uprisings of varying intensity

Answer 2

There's definitely no real virus called "solanum", however, there is a genus of plants by that name. They are the "nightshade" plants, some of which contain alkaloids and intoxicating drugs. Some of these this "deadly nightshade" were supposedly used by witches for hallucinatory experiences. Sounds like a possible source of inspiration for the "zombie" stories. (Not all solanum/nightshade plants are toxic, two other types of this plant are tomatoes and eggplant.) Any websearch I do with "solanite virus" seems to bring me back to the "Zombie Survival Guide" so it sure looks fictional to me.

My favorite bad movie is Plan 9 From Outer Space, it concerns aliens who bring dead humans back to life. People in the movie keep mentioning something called a "solanite bomb." I wondered if that might a source of inspiration too. I looked solanite on web searches and found several old science fiction movies mention a "solanite bomb" so I don't know if there is any connection to the "solanum virus."

Answer 3

You win! Type in solanum virus in google. It says right there that it's a fictional virus and then refers to the Zombie Survival Guide.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum

Answer 4

The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection From the Living Dead, published in 2003, is a FICTITIOUS survival manual that deals with the potentiality of an undead attack. Its author, Max Brooks, lays out detailed plans for the average citizen to survive zombie uprisings of varying intensity.

Answer 5

I doubt that any virus/parasite could impression someone in the style of particular way that they commence yearning human flesh. some thing like that has a tendency to be extra of a psychological ingredient. Admittedly, if it became affecting the mind, it can reason some human beings to change into violent or maybe attempt to eat one yet another, besides the indisputable fact that it does no longer manage to reproduction that similar bring about a number of persons. some thing to do with the mind grants itself in a unique way searching on the guy. I propose, seem at Alzheimer's. everyone who suffers from that ailment has very different indications.

Answer 6

im sure there are virus' that can cause mutation and what not, but it wont cause you to turn into a zombie. all these movies about living dead are based on the idea that the functions of the brain have ceased and that is not possible because if the brain didnt function we would simply die (and not come back to life)

Answer 7

There is lots of Zombies out there, I just try to stay clear of them, I travel with all the time in morning and in the night, some I work with.. try not to look into their eyes, you might get hypnotized - they're like vampires.

P.S. I think my boss might be a Zombie, I swear he acts and look like one.. be careful, you never know who might be one
good luck

Answer 8

Take a look around. Chances are we are already infected with this virus. I work with several zombies but they generally keep to themselves. I heard it's not contagious.......good luck!

Answer 9

It's a work of fiction.

Answer 10

Heh, you are right, it's ridiculous.