# 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]])

# had been made ill

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "was ill" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

# ill with a fever and dysentery

Dysentery is an infectious intestinal disease.

# placed his hands on him

"touched him with his hands"