Docs Alarmed after Mad Cow Linked to Plasma Transfusion

Scientists have discovered the first case of mad cow caused by tainted blood plasma, the Telegraph reports. The elderly British man, who died from other causes, received blood transfusions years before doctors imposed restrictions to halt the spread of the fatal disease. Scientists had previously insisted the 4,000 people who received possibly contaminated plasma were unlikely to contract mad cow.

“This looks like pretty grim news for a group of people who have been through fire and water for so long,” said one bacteriology professor, adding, “There is a lot more we still need to know.” More than 160 Britons have died from mad cow, and after learning that the disease’s incubation period varies, scientists warned more could be infected.
(More mad cow disease stories.)