Reply #9: Hmm [View All]

[LibLabUK]

Kuru is spread by cannibalism, and was only ever seen in the the Fore tribe in New Guinea. There have been no new cases because the practice has been wiped out.

Kuru, whilst similar to CJD isn't the same disease.

There have been so few cases of vCJD, that it does not pose a risk to the public. The relative risk, when compared to other causes of death is miniscule. Far more people die each year from lightning strikes in the US than have ever died from vCJD.

The total number of deaths from suspected vCJD in the UK between 1990 and 2004 is: 142

The total number of cases (dead or alive) in the UK between 1990 and 2004 is: 147

source: http://www.cjd.ed.ac.uk/ - UK CJD surveillance unit


The average ANNUAL number of deaths from lightning in the US is: 107

The average ANNUAL number of lightning deaths or injuries in in the US is: 257

source: http://www.cdc.gov - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Whilst it is sad that your friend contracted vCJD, I find it remarkable that they managed to pin down the source of the infection. vCJD has a rather long incubation period, and BSE (if that is infact the causal agent) is present in beef herds all over the world, including the US and Canada, although this is not always admitted to.