PRIONS!!!!! PART 1111: KURU

kuru also known as "fatal prion malady" is a prion disease. This disease is based upon abnormally shaped prions. These prions are dangerous because of their ability to force proteins in the brain to conform to their abnormal shape. these altered proteins aggregate in sponge-like clumps in the victim's brain, preventing brain cells and neurotransmitters from functioning properly. kuru has an asymptomatic period of 5-20 years. 

symptoms:

ambulatory stage - the first symptom- 1 month after the first symptom  

headaches, joint pain, shaking, loss of balance, deterioration of speech and muscle control

sedentary stage - 1-2 months after the first symptom 

inability to walk without support, loss of muscle coordination, severe tremors, emotional instability(depression, uncontrollable laughter, aggression, manic state) 

terminal stage - 3 months - 2 years after the first symptom

inability to sit without support, no muscle coordination, unable to speak, incontinence, difficulty swallowing, unresponsive to stimuli, ulcers 

death - 2-3 years after the first symptom 

kuru itself can be fatal but most often the real cause of death is a stroke or seizure. 

contraction:

contact with infected cadavers 

canibalism

parts to avoid:

brain, spinal cord, bonemarrow, small intestine.