IT MAY be the only time you will find these words in the same sentence: “Ebola” and “Add to Wishlist”.
Giantmicrobes, which makes a line of plush toys based on viruses and other microscopic organisms, has sold out its entire Ebola stock, including the small Ebola doll for $9.95 (R110), the large Ebola doll for $29.95 and an “Ebola Petri Dish” toy for $14.95, according to the company’s website.
“Since its discovery in 1976, Ebola has become the T Rex of microbes,” says the US-based maker of the “uniquely contagious toy” on its website, which promotes them as gag gifts that also have educational value.
Giantmicrobes lists the World Health Organisation as one of its largest customers, along with pharmaceutical companies and the American Red Cross.
With the latest Ebola outbreak, which has already killed more than 4 500 people, almost entirely in west Africa, customers have snapped up the toy.
Anyone disappointed by the current shortage of the Ebola toys can click on “Add to Wishlist” and wait for more stock to arrive. Or make a different selection from the company's array of other plush toys, including anthrax, botulism, cholera and dengue fever.
It is not clear how many of the toys have been sold and the company could not be reached for comment. – Reuters