Ophiocordyceps: Part One
Day 3:
Doctor Yusuf Bilal held his breath as his microphone was affixed to the lapel of his lab coat. The sweat dripping from his forehead left streaks in the layers of makeup that the crew had painstakingly applied to get him TV ready.
“Are you okay, Doctor?” Avery Weaver placed her hand over his, her eyes shining with concern.
“I just wish I didn’t have to do this. I never thought things would go this far” Doctor Bilal stared at the floor, his hands wringing together forcefully.
“I know, but the people deserve to know, and I-” Avery’s words were cut off by the director.
“Going live in 3-2-1” The light on the camera flicked on and the teleprompter began to scroll.
“Hello and welcome to the six o’clock news on Channel Seven. I am your host, Avery Weaver. Joining me today, Doctor Yusuf Bilal from the World Health Organization. Dr. Bilal, there are increasing reports of a thick fog that seems to be completely covering major cities. More than that, though, it seems that the people in those cities are being affected in a very strange way. Can you explain what is going on here?”
“Well, Ms. Weaver, it is very hard to explain. The current condition is something that we have only seen in carpenter ants. Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, or the zombie-ant fungus, affects its targets by sending out airborne spores, and secretes through the exoskeleton of the ant. From there, it targets the ant’s brain and forces it to leave the colony and head somewhere that provides the fungus with ideal conditions for growth. Eventually, the fungus feeds on the ant until the ant dies.”
“So is that what we are seeing here? Can the fungus target humans now?
“Honestly, we do not know. The effects are the same, but no one knows where this fog comes from, or why it affects humans the way that it does. I assure you, though, we are working tirelessly to find answers.” At that moment, Yusuf looked defeated. He knew that this interview would cause more panic than relief.
“What steps can we take to protect ourselves from this?” Avery quickly tried to steer the conversation.
“As of now, we can only advise that you stay in your homes. Places of employment are encouraged to pivot operations to an online format, and if you absolutely must go out, a N95 mask should be worn at all times.” Yusuf now spoke with a conviction that betrayed his worn down appearance.
“Well, folks, there you have it. Protect yourself by staying indoors, and wearing a mask if you must go outside. We can get through this, if we all stick together. Thank you so much for joining us Dr. Bilal. Stay tuned for Jeremy Smith, with the weather.”
The light on the camera switched off and Yusuf let out a heavy exhale, as if he had been holding his breath for the entire interview.
Image: Live Science
Read Part Two Here:
Omgosh, I was reading about the ant death spiral yesterday.. this is wonderful!
The panic is so real. Palpable.
Ahhh, I love this! I’ve always thought that the zombie ant fungus in real life would make for a killer story concept, and you’ve absolutely delivered here!
The tension throughout the opening interview here was palpable. I love the last line as well, it really accentuated the doctor’s panic. Heading to part two immediately!