What is Kuru?
- Kuru is a form of sub-acute spongiform encephalopathy.
- It was prevalent among the natives of Papua New Guinea who used to practice cannibalism.
- Since 1960, there has been a marked decline in the incidence of the disease co-incident with the cessation of this custom.
Causes And Symptoms Of Kuru (Koru)
- The agent causing kuru is thought to be an unconventional virus like agent, which can be transmitted to chimpanzees and other animals.
- Children and women were mainly affected by this disease because it was they who handled the tissue of their diseased relatives.
- The incubation period was very long (sometimes more than 20yrs).
- Initial symptoms were progressively increasing cerebellar ataxia, followed by strabismus, various involuntary movements and during later stages dementia.
- Death was invariable and occurred within 2 years of onset of the illness.
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