K is for Kuru (the effects of cannibalism in post apocalyptia)

Kuru

Save Modifier: -1, cumulative (with each consumption of an infected target)
Infection Duration: 6 months
Affected Stats: STR -1, DEX -2 (First Stage)
Damage per day: See Symptons below

This common post apocalyptic disease, more widely known as The Shakes, but also known as The Laughing Sickness is widely reviled throughout the wasteland. The problem is that this disease can generally only be contracted through cannibalism. This disease is caused by prions found in humans (and any other primate species, that is monkeys, apes, gorillas, orangutans, monkeys, chimpanzees, etc.), though several mutant animal species have their own variant. In bovine races (cows, bison, buffalo, water buffalo, yaks, and certain types of antelopes) it is known as Mad Cow Disease. Among sheep and goats it is known as Scrapie. The cervid species (deer, elk, moose, etc.) have Chronic Wasting Disease. Felines, Minks, Ostriches, and Grazing Antelopes (a bovine sub-family) all have some variant of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy. There is no save modifier when consuming an infected cross-family (i.e. primates are all one family, bovines are all one family, cervids are all one family etc.) meal.
Symptoms: First Stage: unsteady stance & gait, decreased muscle control, tremors, and slurred speech.
Second Stage: (occurs after 10 consecutive failed saving throws against Infection Duration) incapable of walking without support, loss of muscle coordination (DEX is halved), severe tremors, depression, and bouts of uncontrollable laughing.
Third (Terminal) Stage: (occurs after 12 consecutive failed saving throws against Infection Duration of Second Stage Symptoms) no muscle coordination (DEX is equal to a value of 1), unable to speak, difficulty swallowing, incontinence, and becomes ulcerated (as if infected by Flesh Eating Bacteria). Death usually occurs between three months and two years once this stage is reached.