PRINTER'S NO. 4097
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
1099
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY BAKER, DEAN, REGAN, BIZZARRO, TOOHIL, VEREB,
DiGIROLAMO, KNOWLES, COOK-ARTIS, CAUSER, SCHLOSSBERG,
HENNESSEY, O'BRIEN, KIRKLAND, DRISCOLL, SAYLOR, MILLARD,
PICKETT, DUSH, SONNEY, WATSON, FREEMAN, KINSEY, LONGIETTI,
COHEN, YOUNGBLOOD, D. COSTA, ROSS, McCARTER, WARD, MAHONEY,
DELOZIER, READSHAW, MARSICO, GILLEN, MILNE AND PAYNE,
OCTOBER 24, 2016
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
OCTOBER 24, 2016
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing November 12, 2016, as "International CJD Awareness
Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare
neurodegenerative disease categorized as a prion disease; and
WHEREAS, Prions represent an unusual class of infectious
agents composed entirely of misfolded prion proteins; and
WHEREAS, Abnormal prion proteins in the brain and spinal
fluid trigger significant mental and physical disabilities; and
WHEREAS, In its early stages, CJD causes failing memory,
behavioral changes, lack of coordination and visual
disturbances; and
WHEREAS, Mental deterioration becomes pronounced as the
illness progresses; and
WHEREAS, Involuntary movements, blindness, weakness of
extremities and coma may occur; and
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WHEREAS, CJD symptoms typically appear in later life; and
WHEREAS, Individuals with CJD become increasingly dependent
on caregivers; and
WHEREAS, CJD is usually fatal within months of onset; and
WHEREAS, No specific treatment exists to eradicate the
infectious agent or slow the progression from disability to
death; and
WHEREAS, CJD is reported worldwide, distributed without
geographic clustering at a rate of one person per million per
year; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 300 cases per year are diagnosed in
the United States; and
WHEREAS, Sporadic CJD, representing approximately 85% of
cases, occurs with no apparent predisposing factors; and
WHEREAS, Inherited CJD, representing approximately 10% of
cases, features a predisposition to mutation of the prion
protein coding gene; and
WHEREAS, Acquired CJD is transmitted through the use of
hormones or tissues obtained from an infected cadaver donor; and
WHEREAS, Diagnosis of CJD involves clinical and
neuropathological examination to rule out other diseases; and
WHEREAS, Conclusive diagnosis follows brain biopsy or autopsy
only; and
WHEREAS, Research focuses on treatment options, infection
control, palliative care and presymptomatic testing; and
WHEREAS, The Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, Inc., a
nonprofit volunteer organization, offers a toll-free HelpLine,
facilitates referrals and support groups and hosts an annual
family conference for the benefit of affected persons and
medical professionals; and
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WHEREAS, The House of Representatives joins in urging greater
awareness, collaboration and support relating to this invariably
fatal prion disease; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize
November 12, 2016, as "International CJD Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania.
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