Subacute Spongiform Encephalopathy - Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

What can be done to prevent the disease?

Travelers to areas with a high risk for mad cow disease can limit their risk for new variant CJD by avoiding beef and beef products. If the person chooses to eat meat, he or she should select solid pieces of muscle meat, such as a steak or roast. Sausage and hamburger should be avoided. Public health measures to include testing mad cow disease and eliminating infected cattle.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

CJD causes progressive brain deterioration and death.

What are the risks to others?

CJD does not seem to spread from person to person. However, it may be spread through direct or indirect contact with infected body tissue.