Definition:

Kuru is a rare, degenerative, and ultimately fatal brain disorder that primarily affects the Fore people of Papua New Guinea. This neurodegenerative disease is caused by the consumption of human brain tissue contaminated with prions, which are misfolded proteins that can trigger the misfolding of normal proteins.

Causes:

Kuru is predominantly transmitted through ritualistic cannibalism, where infected individuals eat the brain tissue of deceased infected individuals. The disease can also spread through other forms of contact with contaminated tissues, such as through open wounds or sores.

Symptoms:

The initial symptoms of kuru typically include unsteady gait, difficulty swallowing, muscle tremors, and coordination problems. As the disease progresses, affected individuals may experience severe bouts of laughter, emotional instability, mood swings, and eventually loss of muscle control.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing kuru involves a thorough examination of the patient’s medical history, neurological tests, and observation of symptoms. Brain biopsies or autopsies are sometimes performed to confirm the presence of prion proteins in the brain tissue.

Treatment:

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for kuru. Treatment mainly focuses on alleviating symptoms and providing supportive care to affected individuals. Preventing the spread of the disease is crucial, and efforts have been made to discourage cannibalistic practices in the affected regions.

Prognosis:

Kuru has a high mortality rate, and most individuals diagnosed with the disease do not survive beyond one year. As awareness of the risks associated with cannibalism increased, the number of kuru cases has significantly declined.