Hammertoad-

The putative infectious agent is found in blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, most organs (especially the 'blood organs') as well as brain. The disease kills because of its effect on the brain. There is a theoretical risk of contracting it from a blood transfusion.

As to your second point - the incubation period is unknown but may be 35-40 years (although it can be around 10). We just don't know how many cases there will be and the peak may not be reached until about 2020.

James

[This message has been edited by james (edited 06-28-1999).]