Kuru (Trembling Disease)

Kuru (Trembling Disease) is a disease that exclusively affects representatives of one of the tribes of New Guinea. It is characterized by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the central nervous system, especially in the area of ​​the brain that controls human movements. As a result, control of muscle movements occurs and tremors of the torso, limbs and head develop. This disease occurs predominantly in women and children and is usually considered incurable - it is fatal after 9-12 months. The cause of its occurrence is considered to be a prion, and it is transmitted through cannibalism. See also Spongiform Eicephalopathy.

Kuru is a rare neurodegenerative disease that exclusively affects members of the Fore tribe of New Guinea. It is characterized by the progressive destruction of nerve cells in the parts of the brain responsible for controlling movement. As a result, severe tremors of the limbs, torso and head develop. The disease is more common in women and children and is considered incurable - usually fatal within 9-12 months.

Kuru is believed to be caused by a prion transmitted through ritual cannibalism common among the Fore tribe.

Kuru belongs to the group of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies along with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and other prion diseases. After the cessation of cannibalism among the Fore tribe, the incidence of kuru fell sharply. However, isolated cases are still being reported among people who became infected decades ago.

**Kuru**, also known as **Kuru Disease,** is a rare and dangerous disease that exclusively affects the tribal people of New Guinea in Northern Australia. Kuru is characterized by degeneration of the nervous system, mainly in the brain region. This disease is also associated with a specific lifestyle, which includes cannibalism.

Kuru presents with progressive neurological symptoms such as tremors, muscle weakness, loss of balance and coordination. Women and children are the most vulnerable to this disease, which is one of the reasons why it is called a "women's disease." It can also lead to disability and death.

The causes of kuru infection are unknown, but scientists link it to a prion, a type of protein that has never been discovered outside of humans. Kuru patients usually become infected by eating food containing infected brains from animals or humans with the same disease. However, person-to-person transmission can occur through contact with substances such as the blood or saliva of an infected person.