Kuru

Once found among the Fore people of Papua New Guinea, Kuru is a fatal prion disease spread through ritual cannibalism. Victims develop tremors, loss of coordination, uncontrolled laughter, and progressive neurological decline.

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

Known as FOP, this extraordinarily rare genetic disorder causes muscles, tendons, and ligaments to gradually turn into bone. Over time, the body forms a second skeleton that severely restricts movement.

Rabies

Few diseases are as terrifying as rabies once symptoms appear. The viral infection attacks the brain, causing agitation, hallucinations, paralysis, and the classic fear of water. Without treatment before symptoms begin, it is almost always fatal.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

This rapidly progressive prion disease destroys brain tissue, leading to memory loss, personality changes, involuntary movements, and severe dementia. Most patients die within a year after symptoms first become noticeable.

Noma

Noma is a devastating bacterial disease that primarily affects severely malnourished children. It rapidly destroys tissue in the mouth and face, leaving survivors with life-altering injuries if they receive treatment in time.

Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis

Sometimes nicknamed “tree man syndrome,” this rare genetic disorder makes patients unusually susceptible to certain strains of human papillomavirus. Extensive wart-like growths can resemble bark on the hands and feet.