(The “z” stands for zombie.)

In a virus outbreak similar to one in Cambodia in 2005, the EU has quarantined London for fear of “zombie” outbreak. This new virus can literally reanimate the dead up to two hours after “their initial demise.”  After reanimation, the victim often acts out with extreme violence for a short period of time due to brain damage and chemicals released into the bloodstream upon “resurrection.”  Twelve cases of zombism have been confirmed in Mexico; President Calderon has urged citizens to stay home for the next five days.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has heightened alert to phase six, its highest level. Governments have been advised to put pandemic contingency plans into play.

UPDATE: The link, however, was not published by the BBC, but is intended to look like the news organization’s Web site. Note the URL is not a BBC site. Details on the hoax are here.