On Apr. 14, 2025, the Hood River County Health Department reported three cases of the rare brain disorder Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). Hood River County is located on the Columbia River approximately 45 miles east of Portland. Over the last 8 months, there have been 1 confirmed and 2 probable cases. Of these three cases, two people are deceased.

The risk of getting CJD is extremely low. It does not spread through the air, touch, social contact, or water. People with questions about their healthcare are encouraged to contact their primary medical team.

CJD is caused by a prion, a type of infectious protein. Prions trigger normal proteins in the body to misfold, leading to CJD . CJD causes dementia and other neurologic problems. Once symptoms begin, it can lead to death in months to a year. Classic CJD occurs worldwide in older adults, with the average age in the late 60s. Very few cases occur in people who are younger than 30 years old.

This is an active and ongoing investigation in partnership with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The health department will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed of any risk to public health.

CJD occurs worldwide with an estimated rate of about one to two illness per one million population members per year. In recent years in the United States, about 500-600 cases have been reported per year.