Description

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Context

A mysterious illness locally referred to as “Dinga Dinga”, has wrecked havoc in Uganda. The disease has affected 300 people in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district.

Read about Uganda: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/uganda

About the disease

Dinga Dinga is a colloquial term used to describe a mysterious illness characterized by uncontrollable body shaking and fever.

The name "Dinga Dinga" translates to shaking like dancing reflecting the primary symptom of involuntary, dance-like movements.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of Dinga Dinga include:

Uncontrollable body shaking
Fever
Difficulty walking due to tremors
Extreme weakness
In severe cases, paralysis

Treatment and Recovery

The illness is generally treatable with antibiotics leading to recovery within a week.

No fatalities have been associated with Dinga Dinga to date.

Cause

The exact cause of Dinga Dinga remains unknown prompting several theories:

Neurological Basis: Potential links to neurological disorders such as epilepsy or chorea.
Mass Psychogenic Illness: The possibility that shared anxiety or stress within the community manifests as physical symptoms.
Cultural Influence: Cultural beliefs and practices influencing the expression and spread of the condition.
Toxins or Infections: Exposure to environmental toxins or infectious agents though no conclusive evidence has been found.

Historical Context

The symptoms of Dinga Dinga draw parallels to historical events like the "Dancing Plague" of 1518 in Strasbourg, France where individuals experienced uncontrollable dancing movements.

While there is no confirmed link between the two the similarities have sparked comparisons.

Virus

Aspect	Details
Definition	A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of an organism.
Structure	-Genetic Material: DNA or RNA (not both). Protein Coat: Known as a capsid which protects genetic material. Envelope (Optional): Lipid layer.
Size	Typically ranges from 20 to 300 nanometers.
Examples	DNA Virus: Herpes Simplex Virus, Hepatitis B Virus. RNA Virus: Influenza Virus, HIV.
Reproduction	Viruses replicate by infecting a host cell. Main steps include: Attachment to host cell. Penetration of genetic material. Replication.
Transmission	Direct Contact (e.g., HIV, Influenza). Vectors (e.g., Dengue via mosquitoes). Airborne (e.g., COVID-19).
Types	Based on Genetic Material: DNA viruses, RNA viruses. Based on Shape: Helical, Icosahedral, Complex.
Impact	Causes diseases like influenza, measles, smallpox and COVID-19. Can integrate into host genomes, sometimes causing cancer (e.g., HPV leading to cervical cancer).
Uses in Medicine	Vaccines: E.g., Polio, Rabies. Gene Therapy: Modified viruses used to deliver genetic material.
Interesting Facts	Viruses are not considered living organisms as they lack metabolism. The largest known virus is the Mimivirus discovered in 2003.