Precautions prevent spread of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Currently some experts are predicting the incidence of the rare yet rapidly fatal Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is on the rise. Worldwide, there is about one case per million people per year, but iatrogenic transmission is increasing. There have been documented cases of CJD transmission through corneal transplants, stereotactic equipment, human growth hormone and dura mater grafts. In addition, there are now three cases of laboratory workers with CJD from exposure in the workplace. No known treatment alters the relentless course of CJD and there is no vaccine. In every rapidly progressive unexplained dementia CJD must remain a diagnostic possibility. Because the etiologic agent is virulent, definition of necessary precautions for staff members associated with such patients is needed. Thus it is imperative medical personnel be well trained in the practice of universal precautions.