On April 22, it was reported that scientists in Texas, USA, published a study in the journal "Neurology" revealing that the first recorded death from "chronic wasting disease" (also known as "zombie deer" disease) in the United States was linked to the consumption of contaminated deer meat.
The deceased individual was a 72-year-old elderly person who, after infection, "rapidly developed confusion and aggressive behavior," ultimately succumbing to the disease within a month.
Postmortem diagnosis revealed Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (a transmissible brain disorder). Details about this patient's companion, who also passed away shortly after, were not disclosed in the article.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the prion found in Yellowstone National Park can cause weight loss, stumbling, and neurological symptoms in deer.
Dubbed "zombie deer disease," this virus alters the host's nervous system, causing excessive salivation, staggering, and a vacant gaze in affected animals.
The disease is fatal for animals, with no known treatment or vaccine available.
According to Fox News, while there are no documented cases of transmission to humans yet, some epidemiologists believe there is a potential for human transmission of this virus.
Epidemiologist Corey Anderson stated, "Equally concerning is the lack of known methods to eradicate the virus."
