Laboratory test results from an autopsy of the individual's brain tested positive for vCJD. Variant CJD is a rare degenerative and fatal brain disorder. It is believed to be caused by eating meat from cows with bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or "mad cow" disease.
CDC noted that more than 220 vCJD patients have been reported worldwide with a majority of the cases occurring in the United Kingdom. The Texas victim is the fourth to be reported in the United States. CDC said the man traveled extensively to Europe and the Middle East, supporting the likelihood that the infection occurred outside the US.
