Coroner seeks investigation into possible CJD cluster

A coroner in Dublin has reportedly called for an investigation into a possible cluster of variant CJD cases on the Dublin-Wicklow border.

Reports this morning said the revelation about the possible cluster was made at an inquest yesterday into the death of a 24-year-old CJD victim from Shankill, Co Dublin.

The man, Jason Moran, died last June from the human form of BSE.

This morning's reports said the coroner overseeing the inquest had pointed out that Ireland's only other CJD fatality - a 33-year-old Co Offaly woman - had relatives living a short distance from Mr Moran in Ballybrack.

He also referred to a third person currently fighting the illness who is understood to live in nearby Bray, Co Wicklow.

When questioned on the matter, CJD expert Dr Michael Farrell reportedly agreed that an investigation "would be very reasonable under the circumstances".