Suspected case of vCJD in Dublin hospital: health minister
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-07-01 08:53

A patient in a Dublin hospital is suspected to be suffering from variant CJD, the human form of mad cow disease, Health Minister Mary Harney said.

Harney, who is also deputy prime minister, said in a statement the "probable case" was awaiting confirmation.

"She has been assured that every possible safeguard and preventative measure had been taken by the relevant agencies, the hospital management and the Irish Blood Transfusion Service," the statement said.

A patient in a Dublin hospital is suspected to be suffering from variant CJD, the human form of mad cow disease, according to Health Minister Mary Harney, seen here in this file photo. [AFP/File]

The statement appealed to the news media "not to identify the hospital and to respect the privacy of the family at this very difficult time."

Last November, a young Irishman was diagnosed with the fatal degenerative brain disease that can be transmitted through blood and infected meat.

Previously, a woman who had lived in Britain was also diagnosed with the disease in the republic.

Up to the middle of June, 33 cases of BSE or mad cow disease had been discovered in Ireland this year. The BSE figures are showing a steady decline.

During the equivalent period last year 68 cases were discovered, compared to 102 in 2003 and 176 in 2002.

Since January 2001 all Irish cattle aged over 30 months that are destined for human consumption are tested for BSE.

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