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NO Mad Cow Disease cases in Illinois
Cases of human brain-wasting disease often
confused and misreported as BSE, more commonly referred to as Mad
Cow Disease
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[August 21, 2007]
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois
Department of Public Health (IDPH) officials report today there are
no confirmed or suspected cases of a type of Creutzfeldt-Jakob
disease (CJD) in Illinois, commonly referred to as human mad cow
disease. CJD is a rare, fatal brain disorder that causes mental
deterioration and a variety of neurological symptoms, which usually
leads to death within a year of onset.
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There are various forms of CJD. In approximately 85
percent of CJD cases, the cause is unknown. These cases are referred
to as sporadic CJD. Another form, called variant CJD, linked to the
consumption of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) contaminated
beef, has not been identified in Illinois. Other forms include
genetic and acquired CJD. There is approximately one CJD case per
one million people. Contact between people does not present a risk
of transmission of any form CJD. The disease is not spread through
the air or by touching someone with CJD. All forms are fatal.
Due to rules governing patient confidentiality in Illinois, IDPH
cannot comment on the medical condition of any patient. However,
based on investigations of reports received from local health
departments, physicians, hospitals, coroners and medical examiners,
IDPH confirms there are no suspected or confirmed cases of variant
CJD in Illinois.
Diagnosis of different forms of CJD, including variant CJD, is based
on patient history, clinical exam and lab tests.
For more information please log on to
http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbcjdhlb.htm
[Press release from Illinois
Department of Health] |
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