Prion diseases are rare, fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by abnormal, misfolded proteins called prions. These prions accumulate in the brain, leading to irreversible damage. They primarily affect humans, manifesting as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), but also occur in animals.
No active Prion Disease reports in Maryland right now.
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Prion diseases were first recognized through conditions like Scrapie in sheep and Kuru among the Fore people of Papua New Guinea. The unique transmissible nature of Kuru, linked to ritualistic cannibalism, was a pivotal discovery. In the 1980s, Stanley Prusiner proposed the revolutionary concept of 'prions' (proteinaceous infectious particles) as the causative agent, for which he received the Nobel Prize.
Prion diseases can occur spontaneously (sporadic forms), be inherited (familial forms), or be acquired through exposure to contaminated tissue. Acquired forms include iatrogenic transmission (e.g., contaminated surgical instruments, dura mater grafts) and dietary routes (e.g., consumption of BSE-infected beef products, or Kuru via ritualistic cannibalism). They are not spread through casual contact, coughing, or sneezing.
Contagious Period: Varies by disease
Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance
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Seek care if you experience severe dehydration, bloody stools, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 3 days. Children under 5, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals should seek care earlier.
Emergency symptoms: Severe dehydration, inability to keep fluids down for 12 or more hours, or neurological symptoms require emergency care.
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Trusted information from leading health organizations
Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
View CDC Resources →Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-18
No confirmed cases reported in Maryland yet. Here are the latest Prion Disease reports from our global surveillance network.
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