2 dead from rare mad cow-like brain disease in Oregon. - USA Today

2 dead from rare mad cow-like brain disease in Oregon. - USA Today

Two residents in Oregon have succumbed to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare and fatal brain disorder, according to the Hood River County Health Department. The deaths, confirmed on April 14, are part of a cluster of three cases in the county over the past eight months. One case was confirmed through autopsy, while the other two are considered probable.

CJD is caused by misfolded proteins called prions, which are found in the brain and nerve cells. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as changes in memory, walking, coordination, speech, and behavior, as well as insomnia, blurry vision, and trouble swallowing. Death from CJD typically occurs within a year [1].

The risk of contracting CJD is extremely low, as it is not transmissible through air, touch, social contact, or water. The Hood River County Health Department has stated that there is no identifiable link between the three cases, and the risk to the general public remains extremely low [2].

The disease can occur sporadically, be inherited, or in rare cases, be spread through contaminated beef or medical equipment. The health department is investigating the cases to determine if they share common risk factors but has not identified any link between them at this time [3].

For decades, public awareness of prion diseases surged due to the "Mad Cow disease" or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) outbreak. In the 1990s, BSE was linked to a new, fatal human form called variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), contracted by eating contaminated beef. Precautionary measures were taken, including banning blood donations from individuals who had spent extended periods in the UK, France, or Ireland during the main outbreak years. However, these measures have been lifted due to the negligible risk [2].

The Hood River County Health Department continues its investigation into the cases. Dr. Robin Miller, a health official, emphasized the rarity of the disease, which affects about 1.2 cases per million people. Miller also noted the resilience of the infectious prions, which are difficult to destroy [2].

Investors and financial professionals should be aware of this rare health event, but the risk to the general public remains extremely low. The health department is monitoring the situation closely to ensure there is no risk to public health.

References:
[1] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/04/19/mad-cow-like-brain-disease-deaths-oregon/83176211007/
[2] https://kobi5.com/news/three-rare-brain-disease-cases-in-hood-river-county-two-deaths-reported-271999/
[3] https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2025-04-14/two-deaths-in-oregon-county-linked-to-fatal-brain-disorder