Hospital confirms first Irish case of variant CJD

Ireland's first case of variant CJD has been confirmed at a Dublin hospital.

Last month, the hospital announced that it was treating a suspected case, but last night it confirmed that a test on the patient’s tonsils indicated the presence of prion, the protein which causes vCJD in humans and BSE in cattle.

The man, who is in his early 20s, may be offered experimental treatment to prolong his life but the condition is fatal, with an average survival time of 13 months.

Because the man has never had surgery, or given or received blood, doctors said that they are almost certain he contracted the disease from eating infected beef.

However, they added that there was very little risk to public health.

The Minister for Health, Tánaiste Mary Harney, has expressed her "deep regret" at the diagnosis of the young man.

She said her thoughts and prayers are with the patient, his family and friends, and she said the Government is attempting to cope with this difficult situation as best it can.