Necrotic Reanimation Syndrome is a disease, specifically a zombie disorder. When the living are infected, they can become slightly stronger but more aggressive. The virus does NOT kill its host, but when the host dies, the virus prevents that from happening. In this state, the infected are very much not dead, but only somewhat alive.
The year is 2025, and the virus is being isolated within the southern states of the US. There are no infections elsewhere. Describe your character and their state.