Houston, Texas – A recent medical case report has raised concerns about the potential transmission of a deadly prion disease from deer to humans. The report suggests that two hunters may have died after consuming venison from deer infected with chronic wasting disease, a fatal prion often referred to as “zombie deer” disease due to its similarities to mad cow disease.
According to a team of doctors at the University of Texas, a 72-year-old man died after exhibiting rapid-onset confusion and aggression. Subsequently, his friend from the same hunting lodge also passed away with similar symptoms, later diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a type of prion disease. This occurrence is particularly alarming as prion diseases are rare in humans, potentially indicating a zoonotic leap from animals to humans.
Prion diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans, involve misfolded proteins that disrupt normal cellular functions. These proteins can induce misfolding in neighboring proteins, leading to irreversible tissue damage. Symptoms mimic fast-tracked dementia, with no immune response making it challenging to diagnose while the patient is alive.
Researchers have previously expressed concerns about chronic wasting disease’s spread among animals like deer, elk, and moose. The disease is known to transmit easily through bodily fluids, raising alarm among health experts about potential risks to humans. Studies have shown the disease can infect mice modified with human genetic material, highlighting the need for further research and vigilance.
The geographical spread of chronic wasting disease across North America, including in wild populations and farmed deer, poses significant public health implications. The possibility of zoonotic transmission emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation and surveillance to understand the potential risks associated with consuming infected deer.
In light of these findings, the medical professionals stress the necessity for continued research and monitoring to assess the impact of chronic wasting disease on human health. The publication of this case report in Neurology underscores the urgency of addressing the potential cross-species transmission of prion diseases and its implications for public health. This case highlights the importance of studying zoonotic diseases and implementing preventive measures to mitigate risks to human health.