Borna virus alarm: Brandenburg's clinics are preparing!

Borna virus alarm: Brandenburg's clinics are preparing!

Recently, there has been growing concern among health authorities and hospitals about the rare but potentially deadly Borna virus. This is a disease that was previously largely unknown in Germany. However, a death in Upper Bavaria in spring 2025, in which a man died as a result of a Borna virus infection, has increased public awareness of the virus. [maz-online.de].

The Bornavirus can cause severe neurological diseases in humans, which are often fatal. Infection can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue and headache, which in advanced stages can lead to serious complications such as memory impairment, paralysis and even coma. Diagnosis is difficult because the initial symptoms are non-specific and there are no simple laboratory tests for early detection. Another problem is the fact that there are no treatment options or vaccinations against Bornavirus. [rnd.de].

Risk areas and preparations

Bavaria is considered the main risk area for the Borna virus. Almost all cases of the disease so far have occurred there. In Brandenburg, on the other hand, the situation is currently less dramatic, but some regions such as the west of the Mark and Potsdam-Mittelmark are viewed as potential endemic areas. Clinics in Brandenburg an der Havel and Bad Belzig have already taken measures to prepare for possible cases. [maz-online.de].

Local health authorities recommend specific protective measures in endemic areas to minimize the risk of infection. This includes avoiding contact with tree shrews, carrying out gardening and forestry work with appropriate protective clothing and regularly disinfecting contaminated surfaces. landratsamt-roth.de emphasizes that in these areas it is particularly important to be informed about the transmission routes and how you can protect yourself effectively.

Outlook and developments

There are currently no known acute cases in the area, but developments are being closely monitored. Disease transmission does not occur directly from person to person, which shows that fighting the virus is primarily about reducing contact with the main hosts, the tree shrews. The field shrew itself is a permanent shedder of the Borna virus and is active at dusk and at night. Knowledge about their lifestyle and the types of transmission are crucial in order to be able to take successful preventive action in the region.

It remains important for the population to be vigilant and to obtain comprehensive information about the risks and prevention options. For the sake of your own health and to protect the community, it is worth taking the advice of the experts seriously and taking appropriate precautionary measures.