How Do You Spell KURU?
Pronunciation: [kjˈʊɹuː] (IPA) 
Correct spelling for the English word "kuru" is [kjˈʊɹuː], [kjˈʊɹuː], [k_j_ˈʊ_ɹ_uː] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Pronunciation: [kjˈʊɹuː] (IPA)
Correct spelling for the English word "kuru" is [kjˈʊɹuː], [kjˈʊɹuː], [k_j_ˈʊ_ɹ_uː] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Kuru is a noun referring to a rare, infectious, and incurable neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects the Fore people of New Guinea. The term also denotes the name of the disease itself. Kuru is classified as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) or prion disease, characterized by the accumulation and spread of abnormal prion proteins in the brain.
The main symptoms of kuru include uncontrolled trembling or shaking, difficulty walking, coordination problems, muscle weakness, and loss of motor control. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience severe neurological damage, including the inability to eat, speak, or move independently. Kuru has a long incubation period, often taking several years before symptoms become noticeable.
The disease is believed to be transmitted through the ritualistic cannibalism once practiced by the Fore people, particularly the consumption of the brain tissue of deceased family members as a sign of respect and mourning. This cultural practice played a significant role in the spread of kuru among the Fore community.
Kuru has notably declined and almost disappeared since the cessation of cannibalistic rituals. Although there is no known cure for kuru, efforts have been made to provide palliative care and support to affected individuals. The study of kuru has contributed immensely to our understanding of prion diseases and their transmission mechanisms.
The word "kuru" has its origin in the Fore language, spoken by the Fore people of Papua New Guinea. The term "kuru" literally means "trembling" or "shivering" in the Fore language. It was primarily used to describe a neurological disease that affected the Fore population. Kuru is an incurable and fatal prion disease, characterized by progressive degeneration of the brain. The local name for the disease, "kuru", was later adopted by the scientific community worldwide.
