Even in the world of video games and television, a zombie plague carried by a deadly fungus sounds almost too far-fetched.
But as HBO finally confirms the release date of The Last of Us season two, scientists say the show’s terrifying premise could soon be a reality.
Although there are no mushrooms capable of turning you into a zombie, experts are increasingly concerned that fungi could trigger the next pandemic.
And scientists say that the disasters like the California wildfires could be to blame.
As the climate around us grows warmer, fungi are rapidly adapting to hotter temperatures, which could allow them to thrive in our blood, lungs, and brains.
Already, scientists have discovered deadly fungi that are capable of spreading from person to person just like in The Last of Us.
And as extreme weather makes wildfires more likely, scientists say that deadly spores could be spread across the country in clouds of smoke.
Dr Martin Hoenigl, an expert on fungal pathogens from the Medical University of Graz, told MailOnline: ‘Generally speaking, there is definitely a possibility that fungi may cause a pandemic.’
As HBO reveals the release date of The Last of Us season two, scientists say that the fungal plague featured in the show could become a reality. Pictured, a human infected by a zombie fungus in the show
