DISEASES-CONDITIONS
Written by Kinkini Gupta | Updated : December 20, 2024 6:36 PM IST What is the new mysterious disease that has reared its ugly head in Uganda? Experts are calling it 'Dinga Dinga virus' and as per news reports, it has affected more than 300 people in Uganda but there have not been any fatalities so far. Most of the people infected are women and girls in Uganda's Bundibugyo district. This virus has been named 'Dinga Dinga' because of the symptoms that is causes. 'Dinga Dinga' refers to 'shaking like dancing' and the one notable symptom of this illness is uncontrollable shaking which may look like dancing. As per local media reports, it is very difficult for victims to walk as the body shakes uncotrollably. Experts are stating that the 'Dinga Dinga' disease could be similar to The Dancing Plague that broke out in 1518. Let us learn all about the two diseases and the possible similarities between them. In the year 1518, the city of Strasbourg in (erstwhile Holy Roman Empire, currently situated in France) was struck by the strangest phenomenon during which hundreds of people danced uncontrollably and unwillingly for days. They called it a mania which lasted for about two months. The hysteria was apparently started by a woman named Frau Troffea. According to historical facts, she stepped into the street and began to silently twist, twirl and shake. All of it was unwilling and uncontrollable. This mania ended as mysteriously as it had started only after two months. More News History notes that the woman danced for about a week after which she was also joined by as many as 400 people who danced for months. There was no explanation behind the strange phenomenon. Some local physicians blamed it on "hot blood" and suggested the afflicted simply gyrate the fever away. However, to this day it remains a mystery as to what actually caused the uncontrollable dancing and shaking. As per historical reports, many people died after this incident either due to exhaustion of due to stroke and heart attacks. Experts say that the people literally danced to their deaths. The one notable symptom of the Dinga Dinga virus that has affected at least 300 people in Uganda is uncontrollable shaking that almost looks like dancing, twirling and shaking. The new mysterious virus has impacted mostly women and girls, as per reports. This is another similarity with the Dancing Plague as it was also kicked off by a woman. Health officials in Uganda are investigating the mystery illness and what is causing it. But, many experts have noted that it is certainly very similar to The Dancing plague of 1518. Only further investigations can reveal what the actual cause of the unusual symptom is. There are several speculations and theories revolving around the cause of The Dancing Plague of 1518 by historian. Read on: According to historian John Waller, the regions of Strasbourg was then severely impacted by the horrors of disease and famine. The mas hysteria that followed for two months may have been caused by stress which spread through the people like a plague. According to other theories, it is stated that the people may have been members of a religious cult or had accidentally ingested ergot which triggered the hysteria. Ergot is a toxic mould that grows on damp rye and produces spasms and hallucinations. Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates. Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today! Enroll for our free updates Thank You for Subscribing Thanks for Updating Your Information None
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