Experts warn of wider vCJD threat

Many more people could become infected with vCJD than
previously thought, experts have warned. 

It follows analysis of a probable transmission of the
human form of BSE, via a blood transfusion. 

This suggests that wider groups of people could be at
risk than was thought, they write in the Lancet. 

Professor James Ironside, who led the research, told
BBC News Online that just over half of the population
were in the same genetic subgroup as the transfusion
patient. 

He said the incubation period for the disease could be
longer for this group, and it could also mean they were
carrying the disease without being aware of it - but
still potentially infecting others via blood transfusions
or surgical instruments. 

Frances Hall, secretary of the Human BSE Foundation,
whose son Peter died from the illness in 1996, said:
"The hope was that only those of an unusual genetic type
would develop vCJD. Unfortunately it now looks like more
people could be susceptible. 

"It's still too early in the day to know how many people
will eventually end up with this disease. 

"The belief is that people with a different genetic make
up might take longer to develop the illness, and many
more people could eventually get it, which is very
frightening indeed." 

 
Last Updated: Friday, 6 August, 2004, 10:59 GMT 11:59 UK 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3539156.stm


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