Disease

Disease is a word that strikes fear into the hearts of many. It is a condition that can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. But fear not! We’re here to show you the lighter side of disease.

First of all, let’s start with the basics. Disease is an affliction of the body or mind that causes discomfort, pain, or dysfunction. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as bacteria, viruses, genetics, and even poor life choices (yes, we’re looking at you, taco bell run at 2am).

Now, onto the fun stuff. Did you know that there is a disease called Kuru? It is caused by eating human brains (yes, you read that correctly), and was prevalent in Papua New Guinea until the 1950s. This disease causes symptoms such as tremors, loss of coordination, and… wait for it… laughter. That’s right, laughing uncontrollably is a symptom of Kuru. So, the next time you’re watching a comedy show and can’t stop laughing, just tell people you have Kuru.

Another fun disease is called Porphyria. This disease causes extreme sensitivity to sunlight, so much so that it can cause blisters and even disfigurement. But wait, there’s more! People with Porphyria are also said to have the ability to… gulp… drink blood. Yes, you heard that correctly too. Some people believe that vampires were based on people with Porphyria, and that they drank blood to alleviate their symptoms. So next time you see a Dracula costume, just remember that it might actually be based on a real medical condition.

Last but not least, we have Syphilis. Now, we know what you’re thinking - Syphilis isn’t funny, it’s a serious sexually transmitted infection. And you’re right, it is. But did you know that people with Syphilis went through a rather bizarre treatment in the early 1900s? They were injected with malaria. Yes, you read that correctly (again). Doctors believed that malaria would stimulate the immune system, which would then fight off Syphilis. However, this treatment was not very effective, and often made the patients even sicker. So if you’re feeling under the weather, just remember - it could be worse. You could be injected with malaria.

In conclusion, disease may not seem like the funniest thing in the world, but we hope we’ve shown you that there is a lighter side to it. Just remember, the next time you’re feeling sick, it could be Kuru, Porphyria, or even Syphilis. And if it is, at least you’ll have a good story to tell.