Reference

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of neurodegenerative diseases caused by prions, which are misfolded proteins that can lead to brain damage. Preventive measures to avoid contracting TSEs include:

1. Medical Equipment Sterilization:

   • Ensure proper sterilization of medical and surgical equipment. Despite the challenge of inactivating prions, rigorous sterilization protocols should be followed to minimize risk.

2. Blood and Tissue Donation Restrictions:

   • Avoid using blood, blood products, or tissue from donors diagnosed with or at risk of prion diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD).

3. Animal Feed Control:

   • Implement and adhere to feed bans that prohibit the inclusion of animal-derived protein in livestock feeds, particularly ruminants. This is a critical control measure to prevent diseases like Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) from spreading through the food chain (USDA).

4. Infection Control Precautions:

   • Apply universal precautions, which involve washing hands and exposed skin before eating, drinking, or smoking, and covering cuts or abrasions with waterproof dressings (UCSF Memory and Aging Center).

5. Avoidance of Specific Risk Materials (SRMs):

   • Do not consume or handle tissues known to be at high risk for carrying prions, such as brain, spinal cord, and other specified risk materials from animals over a certain age (CDC).

6. Public Health Policies:

   • Support and comply with public health policies aimed at controlling and monitoring TSE outbreaks, including mandatory reporting and surveillance programs for suspect animals (EUR-Lex).

7. Autopsy and Post-Mortem Care:

   • For those handling human remains, special precautions should be taken during autopsies and post-mortem procedures to prevent transmission (CDC).

8. Food Safety Measures:

   • Purchase inspected meats and avoid consuming products from animals over 30 months of age or animals exhibiting symptoms of TSE. This helps mitigate the risk of ingesting prion-contaminated food (HPE Public Health).

Implementing these preventive measures can help reduce the risk of contracting transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.