Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD)
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) is a prion disease that was first described in 1996 in the United Kingdom. There is now strong scientific evidence that the agent responsible for the outbreak of prion disease in cows, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or ‘mad cow’ disease), is the same agent responsible for the outbreak of vCJD in humans.
About vCJD
Diagnostic Criteria
Treatment
Risk for Travelers
Reported Cases in the US
Clinical and Pathologic Characteristics
Relationship with BSE (Mad Cow Disease)
Surveillance for vCJD
Resources
Neuropathologic examination of brain tissue is required to confirm a diagnosis of vCJD.
CDC Related Links
E-Mail Us
For Questions or Comments on Prions E-mail Us.
Related Links
- The National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Centerexternal icon
- World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)external icon
- Recommendations to Reduce the Possible Risk of Transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease by Blood and Blood Components; Guidance for Industry; Aug 2020external icon
- Overview of Canada's BSE Safeguards: BSE and vCJDexternal icon
Page last reviewed: January 28, 2022