Grisi siknis among the Miskitos
Keywords:
Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua, Disease, Ethnic group, Miskito, Traditional medicineAbstract
Grisi siknis is an illness syndrome which occurs only among the Miskitu people of Nicaragua and Honduras. Victims run from their houses and believe they engage in sexual relations with the devils who appear to take them away. Four attacks were observed and more than 100 victims were interviewed. A traditional method of curing grisi siknis was also observed. Attacks seem to come in epidemic form, as additional victims appear in nearby communities. Grisi siknis seems closely related to other aspects of Miskitu culture. It is regarded as a serious public health problem by Miskitu people.
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