Autopsy Confirms New Hampshire Patient Died of Rare, Fatal Brain Disease

New Hampshire health officials confirmed Thursday a former patient treated at a local hospital who has since died tested positive for a rare but deadly brain disease. The discovery could mean that others later exposed to the surgical tools used during the patient's surgery may be at risk of developing the illness known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CFD).

"Though we are not surprised by the test results, we are saddened by the toll this disease takes on families and our sympathies go out to all those affected," Dr. Jose Montero, Director of Public Health at DHHS, said in a statement 

A total of 13 patients were treated with the needle-shaped probe used to help surgeons peer inside hard-to-see areas while operating. From this group, eight received treatment in New Hampshire and the remaining five in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

CJD is a rare disease that affects the nervous system, resulting in the deterioration of the brain. It is caused by a protein particle called a prion, which, officials report, is not eradicated using standard sterilization processes.

While New Hampshire health officials are working with those potentially exposed to the contagion, the likelihood any will go on to develop CJD is slim, they say.

"Our focus and concern continues to be with the patients who may have been exposed to CJD," said Dr. Joseph Pepe, the president and CEO of Catholic Medical Centers where the infected patient was treated. "This afternoon we have reached out to our [eight] patients to let them know about the autopsy results. We let them know we will continue to help and support them and to monitor their health going forward even though the risk is extremely low that any of these patients was infected."

Only about 200 people are diagnosed with CJD in the United States each year, according to the New Hampshire Department of Human and Health Services. Symptoms include rapidly failing memory, personality changes, lack of coordination and visual disturbances. As the disease progresses, involuntary movements, blindness and coma may occur.