How a Zombie-Ant Fungus Can Infect a Host

The fungus from “The Last of Us” may seem scary, but in reality, it’s not a threat to humans.

By Mac Stone
Jan 19, 2023 3:15 PMJan 20, 2023 6:15 PM
Zombie ant fungus
Dead ant with spores from fungus on top of its head. (Credit: Rezamonium/Shutterstock)

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In HBO’s new hit video game-turned-TV show The Last Of Us, a mutated fungus from the genus Cordyceps begins infecting humans, turning the majority of humanity into zombie-like, cannibalistic monsters.

In reality, Cordyceps fungi do exist, and one type does infect certain species of ants, taking complete control of its host and dictating its every move. But how does this parasitic fungus work? And could it ever infect humans like it does in The Last of Us?

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