From November 2017 to April 2018, four suspected cases of the disease arose in Rochester. United Kingdom
Researchers believe one in 2,000 people in the UK is a carrier of the disease, linked to eating contaminated beef. The survey provides the most robust prevalence measure to date—and identifies abnormal prion protein across a wider age group than found previously and in all genotypes, indicating "infection" may be relatively common. This new study examined over 32,000 anonymous appendix samples. Of these, 16 samples were positive for abnormal prion protein, indicating an overall prevalence of 493 per million population, or one in 2,000 people are likely to be carriers. No difference was seen in different birth cohorts (1941–1960 and 1961–1985), in both sexes, and there was no apparent difference in abnormal prion prevalence in three broad geographical areas. Genetic testing of the 16 positive samples revealed a higher proportion of valine homozygous (VV) genotype on the codon 129 of the gene encoding the prion protein (PRNP) compared with the general UK population. This also differs from the 176 people with vCJD, all of whom to date have been methionine homozygous (MM) genotype. The concern is that individuals with this VV genotype may be susceptible to developing the condition over longer incubation periods. Human BSE foundation
In 2000 a voluntary support group was formed by families of people who had died from vCJD. The goal was to support other families going through a similar experience.
A memorial plaque for those who have died due to vCJD was installed in central London in approximately 2000. It is located on the boundary wall of St Thomas Hospital in Lambeth facing the Riverside Walk of Albert Embankment. See also
Jonathan Simms, a person who died from vCJD
Mepacrine


== References ==