Kuru causes neurodegenerative changes similar to another slow virus disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease , whose distribution is worldwide. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease has been found with increased incidence in North Africa where sheep brains and eyes are a common part of the diet. Incoordination leads to severe disability. Tremors and shivering are characteristic findings. Difficulty in swallowing and inability to feed oneself lead to malnutrition or starvation.
Death occurs several years after the onset of symptoms.
Tests Neurologic evaluation may show characteristic changes in coordination and gait. No treatment is currently available for kuru or any of the slow-virus diseases. Calling Your Health Care Provider Call your health care provider if you have any gait disturbance, swallowing difficulty , or incoordination . Although kuru is very rare now, other severe neurologic disorders can cause these symptoms. The incidence of kuru diminished considerably with the discontinuance of cannibalism and ritualistic butchereing.