3 cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease reported in Oregon: What to know about the 'always fatal' brain disease?

Health officials have reported three cases of a rare and fatal brain disease called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in Hood River County. The Hood River County Health Department confirmed one case and identified two probable cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, or CJD, over the past eight months, according to an April 14 statement. Two of the three individuals have died.

The officials are investigating the cases and monitoring whether they pose any risk to the public. However, as of now, there is "no identifiable link between these three cases," the department said.

They also noted that the risk of contracting the disease is 'extremely low', and it does not spread through the air, touch, social contact, or water. Individuals with health concerns are encouraged to consult their primary medical team.

"This is an active and ongoing investigation in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The health department will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed of any risks to public health," they said.

What makes the disease extremely serious is its mortality rate. CJD is always fatal, notes the CDC.

What is Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare and fatal condition that affects the brain. CJD causes brain damage that worsens rapidly over time. It is caused by a prion, a type of infectious protein. These prions trigger the normal proteins in the body to misfold, resulting in CJD.

Though these abnormal prions are sort of infectious, they are different from viruses and bacteria. For instance, prions aren't destroyed by the extremes of heat and radiation. Hence, antibiotics or antiviral medicines have no effect on them.
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This disease is found in older adults during their late 60s, but has been reported in a few people who are younger than 30 years old. According to the CDC, in recent years, about 500-600 cases have been reported in the US annually.

There are three types of CJD infections: Sporadic, familial, and iatrogenic.

CJD causes dementia and other neurological problems in people. Once the symptoms arise, it leads to death in a matter of months to a year. The disease also causes trouble walking, sudden jerky movements, and visual disturbances.

What are the symptoms of CJD?

• loss of intellect and memory
  
• changes in personality
  
• loss of balance and coordination
  
• slurred speech
  
• vision problems and blindness
  
• abnormal jerking movements
  
• progressive loss of brain function and mobility
  

There is no cure or therapy to slow down or stop the disease progression. The treatment includes relieving the symptoms.