A “zombie virus” is usually a nickname , not a real virus that turns people into movie-style zombies. It can mean either a fictional infection in games and films, or a real ancient virus found in frozen permafrost that scientists sometimes call a “zombie virus” because it was dormant for a very long time.

What people mean

In fiction, zombie viruses are made-up pathogens that cause symptoms like aggression, loss of control, or reanimation. In real-world news, the term usually refers to ancient microbes trapped in ice or permafrost that may become active again if the ice melts.

Real-world meaning

Scientists and news reports have used “zombie virus” for very old viruses preserved in permafrost, including cases in Siberia and the Arctic. These reports describe a possible public-health risk from thawing ice, but not the kind of undead outbreak shown in movies.

Forum-style takeaway

“Zombie virus” is mostly a dramatic phrase people use online for anything creepy, ancient, or outbreak-related.

The real concern is about dormant viruses potentially reappearing from melting ice, not literal zombies.

Simple answer

If you saw the phrase in the news, it most likely means an ancient virus revived from frozen ground. If you saw it in games, films, or forums, it usually means a fictional virus that creates zombie-like behavior.

TL;DR: “Zombie virus” is a popular label, not a formal medical term, and it usually refers either to fictional zombie outbreaks or to ancient viruses thawing out of permafrost.