Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

The Canadian Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Surveillance System (CJDSS) is operated by the Public Health Agency of Canada and conducts prospective national surveillance for all types of human prion disease in Canada. The main purposes of the CJDSS are to better understand the epidemiology of human prion diseases, to improve the options available for their rapid and accurate diagnosis, and ultimately to protect the health of Canadians by reducing risks of prion disease transmission.

Following an internationally accepted model for comprehensive surveillance of human prion diseases that is promoted by the World Health Organization, the CJDSS offers support to collaborating health professionals via consultation, laboratory investigations, logistic support, and education. With informed consent from patients or their representatives, a detailed medical chart review and family interview are also completed. The resulting diagnostic and epidemiologic information is assembled and used to support epidemiological analysis and public health decision-making.

Please note that all human prion diseases are provincially reportable and nationally notifiable in Canada.

For more information regarding the Canadian Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Surveillance System, please call toll-free: 1-888-489-2999.