Management of A Probable Case of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in Southern Taiwan, 2020

DOI: 10.6524/EB.202404_40(7).0001

Po-Chen Kuo^*, Ching-Ying Chen, Jen-Yih Lee, Tzu-Chun Chen, Tsuey-Fong Lee

2024 Vol.40 NO.7

Correspondence Author： Po-Chen Kuo^*

Abstract：

        Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is caused by the accumulation of abnormal prion proteins in the brain, resulting in a spongiform encephalopathy. Prions are highly resistant to destruction, can persist in soil for extended periods, and remain infectious. To prevent the spread of prions in the environment and food chain, human remains of CJD cases must be cremated.
        In 2018, a patient in southern Taiwan was diagnosed as a probable case of CJD following a panel review and passed away in June 2020. According to the CJD infection control manual, the remains should have been cremated. However, the patient's family members refused cremation due to their religious beliefs and because the patient had not been definitively diagnosed with CJD.
        Despite negotiations by the Public Health Bureau, no consensus was reached with the family members. Subsequently, the Public Health Bureau, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, and an influential local councilor familiar to the family members collaborated to secure the family's agreement to cremate the remains.
        This article outlines the incident's handling process, discusses relevant policies, and offers recommendations for managing similar cases and policy revisions.