konzo
KOH-nzoh
How to say it
SwahilikonzoKOH-nzoh
Englishparalysis from badly processed cassava
Frenchparalysie due au manioc mal préparé
Meaning
A disease that suddenly and permanently weakens the legs, caused by eating bitter cassava that was not soaked or dried long enough to remove its poison. It strikes poor rural areas in times of drought and hunger.
Good to know
N class noun with no plural, and the same name doctors use in English and French. Ugonjwa wa konzo is the usual phrase in health news.
Examples
- Ugonjwa wa konzo umewapata watoto kadhaa kijijini.Konzo has struck several children in the village.
- Kuloweka muhogo vizuri kunazuia konzo.Soaking cassava well prevents konzo.
- Mama yake alipooza miguu kwa sababu ya konzo.His mother's legs were paralyzed because of konzo.
Forms
Not yet checked by a native speaker.