# It happened that the father of Publius ... fever and dysentery
This is background information about Publius' father that is important to understanding the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
# was lying afflicted
"was in bed, ill"
# afflicted with a fever and dysentery
Dysentery is an infectious disease of the intestines.
# placed his hands on him
"touched him with his hands"