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- These are viruses like particles that cause disease with long intervals (usually years) between infection and disease. The slow viruses usually cause a slow deterioration of the central nervous system (the brain). This can result in Dementia, sleepiness, muscle jerks, and Seizures. These diseases can progress to death.
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- Kuru -- unsteady balance and difficulty with movement, coordination, tremors, difficulty with speaking, and emotional problems
- Creutzfield -- Jakob Disease is rapid progressing Dementia that causes muscle jerking, sleepiness, walking or balance difficulties, and the loss of ability to speak.
- "Mad Cow" Disease is similar to Creutzfield-Jakob, but less severe. Occurs in younger individuals, and is transmitted by contaminated beef.
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis -- causes Dementia and
Seizures. Unfortunately, it is usually fatal.
- Progressive multifocal
leukoencephalopathy -- causes Dementia, clumsiness,
leg weakness, vision problems, and difficulty with
understanding and speaking.
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Kuru-virus found in New Guinea. No longer seen since cannibalism has been abandoned
- Creutzfield-Jakob Disease -- the cause is unknown, and occurs in primarily middle aged and elderly individuals
- "Mad Cow" Disease -- found in Britain in the 1990's. Transmitted to humans by cows.
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is associated with the Measles virus.
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is caused by the JC virus, and seen in those with AIDS or immunosuppression.
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- History and examination
- An MRI and EEG may be
helpful
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- Currently, there is no cure.
- The Measles vaccine (usually given as the MMR vaccine) may protect against Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
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