- Hello Jeff,
-
- This is exactly what we have been talking about, risk
of nvCJD in the blood supply. Also, like you said, invasive dental procedures
are a source of possible risk.
-
- Here is the promed article. Of course, they said that
this is only a precaution...
-
- Patricia
-
- Canada, Fearing nvCJD, Bars More Blood Donors 9-1-00
-
- OTTAWA - Canadians who have spent 6 months or more in
France between 1980 and 1996 will not be allowed to donate blood because
of fears they might bring mad cow disease [responsible for new variant
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (nvCJD)in humans] to Canada, health officials
said on Thursday. The disease, which slowly destroys the brains of its
victims, has caused dozens [a total of 78] of deaths in the United Kingdom,
been identified in France and has raised fears about food safety throughout
Europe. Health Canada said that the measure was being taken to reduce the
risk of transmitting the human equivalent of bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(mad cow disease).
-
- Last year, Health Canada issued a similar ban on blood
donors who had spent 6 months or more in Britain during the same period.
There has never been a confirmed case of the disease in Canada. nvCJD,
identified about 5 years ago, causes dementia, loss of muscle control and
coma. It can lie unnoticed for up to 20 years but usually kills within
12 to 18 months once symptoms begin.
-
- The department said the European cases had been linked
to the consumption of beef from cattle suffering from the disease. But
there has never been a reported case of transmission of the disease through
blood transfusions or the use of plasma derivatives. But Health Canada
said its directive was based on the best international scientific evidence
available and was in keeping with its policy of taking precautionary measures.
About 1 000 people are expected to be affected by the directive, the department
said, adding that regional blood authorities have 3 months to implement
the measure. _____
-
- ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org
-
-
- MainPage
http://www.rense.com
-
-
-
- This
Site Served by TheHostPros
|