For less than $10, you can order Ebola online and take it home — not the disease itself but rather, a cuddly, worm-shaped mock up of the virus.
“GIANT Microbes” are stuffed animals that resemble tiny microbes, only at one million times their actual size. The website says the characters are designed to be “appealing personalities” which can engage any audience. And yes, there is one for Ebola.
The toys are based on a real microscopic image of an actual microbe, sans the googly eyes. The Ebola virus plush sells for $9.95, but is currently sold out. There are also “gigantic” and Petri dish versions of the toy.
The Ebola doll has a positive five-star review on the website, which calls the disease the “T. Rex of microbes.” Reviewers note the toy is the “perfect prop” for a Halloween costume, with others commenting they didn’t realize the virus was “so cute.”
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