BBC Reports: Cambodian Troops Quarantine Quan'sul<

It has come to my attention that in April of 2005 the BBC reported on an alleged outbreak of "zombism" in North-Eastern Cambodia. I am ashamed to admit that this news has escaped my attention until now, but I must still make an effort to give a report of the information.

[SOURCE OF OUTBREAK]

The source of the outbreak is reported to be a strain of Malaria, spread by a regional mosquito species. Thus far, it has exhibited a 100 percent mortality rate within 2 days of infection.

[ZOMBIE PHYSIOLOGY]

Alone, those characteristics warrant undivided attention, and extreme concern. However, as the article goes on to report, the infection is also "restarting" the victims' hearts shortly after death. Further, the deceased then rise from the dead, and, it is said, each victim then "behaves in extremely violent ways", for up to 2 hours!

[COMMUNICABILITY OF INFECTION]

Now there is no mention of victims spreading the infection to others, but I think it is safe to say that this condition displays all the characteristics of a blood / body fluid transmittable contagion. We can only hope that this incident is being treated with all the seriousness that an undead epidemic deserves.

[CORPORATE/GOVERNMENT RESPONSE]

Officials reported the situation as contained, but a "General Ary Serey" openly admits to having saved samples of the contagion. The US Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, has reportedly voiced official opposition the the Cambodian government's plan, but I have no qualms over voicing my doubts over any "official" statement by a governmental body. Admittedly, I am quite surprised by the Cambodian general's candidness. However, I believe his statement is a much more accurate reflection of standard governmental (including our own) response to this sort of catastrophe.

The article closes with a "reassuring" statement about a UN team being dispatched to assess the security and safety of the situation. I\'m glad we can rest assured that strongly worded letters are certain to follow.

I have not come across any further information about this outbreak or any subsequent incidents. While I am hoping the situation was as benign as the report made it out to be, nothing can be taken at face value. As our Secretary of State openly admitted, a contagion of this nature could serve as a horrific biological weapon. Medical potential aside, this alone guarantees its immense value to someone, and unfortunately, its preservation.

If anyone discovers any further press coverage of this particular zombie outbreak, please pass along the information.

The article can be found here:
http://65.127.124.62/south_asia/4483241.stm.htm