Zika continues its romp around the world. In its wake, controversy erupted over the Olympic Games in Brazil, with some calling to move or postpone the Games – but is that really justified? Zika has already moved outside of Brazil in a big way. To be clear, the Zika epidemic is dramatic and awful. Mosquito-borne transmission of this previously obscure and seemingly wimpy virus is ongoing in 60 countries
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That’s right. The Swine Flu toy is for sale, and it’s a big hit! The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) have created this plush, pink toy to give your child hours of entertainment, available to buy now in their Atlanta gift shop! (who would have even thought the CDC had a gift shop?!)
This may be the perfect gift for children actually infected with Swine Flu and stuck in bed with nothing to do.
But if the toy based on the Swine Flu (aka H1N1 virus) isn’t what you’re looking for, than might I suggest the gonorrhea toy? How about the chlamydia toy? This is not a joke. These toys are for real!
Each toy comes with a tag that describes the illness, along with “fun facts” about it. Turns out people are buying these toys for various reasons. Some parents and doctors are getting these plush toys to help explain certain diseases to children, while some people are buying them because this is just about one of the funniest gag gifts there is!
And for you sophisticated types looking for something a little less childish, do not fret. There are disease-themed scarves and ties for sale, too. According to the CDC, the microbes of some very deadly diseases can make a very “stylish pattern” (Ooh! I know what will be on my Christmas wish-list this year!)
All images from giantmicrobes.com
