Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 12 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 9 March 2001. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Friday, 9 March 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many vCJD sufferers received a red cell blood transfusion before they were diagnosed with the condition; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vCJD sufferers received a red cell blood transfusion before they were diagnosed with the condition; and if he will make a statement. [150431] Mr. Denham: Eight people with vCJD have been reported to the CJD Surveillance Unit as receiving blood components. After checking medical records, three of these have been confirmed as receiving a red cell blood transfusion. Of the remaining five, two reported transfusions occurred too long ago to allow checking against medical records, two have no history of transfusion and one report is still being investigated. There is no indication at present that the donors of the blood used in these cases have themselves developed vCJD.

Secondary information