Littleton Adventist Hospital in Denver is confirming a patient who underwent brain surgery in February suffered from the brain-wasting disease, which is similar to mad cow disease.
According to hospital spokeswoman Allison Hefne, the patient underwent surgery, however the disease was not considered until his condition worsened.
The male patient then died March 23.
A test was conducted at the prion-testing facility at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and according to the Rocky Mountain News, six other patients who underwent brain surgery at Littleton Adventist have been notified.
While the hospital believes there is "very little" chance of exposure, despite officials being unable to confirm if general hospital sterilization procedures are effective against prions.
