Hobby hunter eats squirrel brain and dies
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease first drew global attention after a number of people in England became sick from consuming beef contaminated with mad cow disease, also known as BSE. Now, a case in New York has brought renewed focus to the illness after a hobby hunter died from a rare variant of the disease.
The case was highlighted by the outlet Live Science, which cited findings from the New York hospital that treated the patient. The disease is caused by abnormal infectious proteins that attack the brain, gradually destroying its tissue and leaving it with a sponge-like appearance.
Doctors said the 61-year-old man began experiencing symptoms in 2015, including trouble focusing, confusion, and a loss of coordination that eventually left him unable to walk on his own. He was later diagnosed in Rochester with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), a fatal condition that affects the central nervous system.
Medical experts, working with information provided by the man’s family, believe his habit of hunting and eating squirrel brains may have increased his risk of developing the disease. According to those close to him, it was something he regularly consumed.
The man died roughly five months after being admitted to the hospital. Because the disease progresses quickly, most people diagnosed with it do not survive beyond a year.
Special note: Anyone who consumes wild game, particularly animal brains, should be aware of potential health risks. If eating squirrel brains or similar foods, it’s important to exercise caution and understand the possible dangers involved.
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