H5N1Z

Introduction to H5N1Z
In 2004, a well known strain of the Influenza A virus, H5N1 mutates. The results are deadly, as the virus causes extreme changes to the victims body and mind. Once the flu has set in, victims undergo a process of "Zombiefication", causing distress, panic, violent tendencies and a taste for human flesh. This new strain became known as "H5N1Z".

Original Outbreak
The original outbreak of H5N1Z occurred in the United Kingdom. Its infection rate was severe, and the country was cut off by the international community soon after the extent and seriousness of the problem was realised. It was not soon enough however, and nearby countries Ireland and France also faced serious widespread cases of infection.

Political realities of the 21st Century
With the United Kingdom and France, both Permanent members of the UN security council and important members of the European Union in ruins, major restructuring in both organisations began to occur. In the European Union, Bulgaria and Romania who were set to join had their candidacies delayed indefinitely while the crisis continued. The infected countries; UK, France and Ireland were reduced in standing to "Governments in Exile". One country, Italy had decided to leave the EU completely. Other countries, such as Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands have been weakened; but just as much through political infighting as the H5N1Z virus.

Meanwhile, in the UN, the European Union was able to convince other member states that it should replace the United Kingdom and France in the Security Council. Debates and deadlocks between rival countries have become commonplace on who, if anyone should take up the other seat.