Browsing: Prion Disease

A rare and enigmatic condition known as “laughing disease” or “kuru” has puzzled scientists for decades due to its unusual symptoms and origins among the Fore people of Papua New Guinea. Transmitted through the practice of funerary cannibalism, kuru is characterized by severe tremors, emotional instability, and bursts of uncontrollable laughter, often leading to its misdiagnosis as a mood disorder. This article explores the cultural context, progression, and diagnostic challenges of kuru, highlighting its significant impact on medical research and understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.