Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Ark., has closed its operating rooms after Creutzfeldt-Jakob was detected in one of the hospital's patients, according to CNN.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob is a rare brain disease that affects one in 1 million people annually worldwide. The rapidly degenerative disorder causes dementia and is ultimately fatal. Death typically ensues within one year of onset illness, according to the CDC. Mayo Clinic says the condition can develop in three ways: spontaneous development, genetic inheritance and contraction during a medical procedure.
The hospital closed its operating rooms and began sterilizing equipment as a precaution. According to CNN, the hospital believes it's unlikely that anyone else has been infected.
Becker's has reached out to Washington Regional Medical Center for comment and will update this story with more information.
Note: This story has been updated to contain the correct spelling of Creutzfeldt-Jakob. We regret the error.
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