Life-threatening Borna virus: Havelland clinics sound the alarm!

Life-threatening Borna virus: Havelland clinics sound the alarm!

What is happening in the south of Germany? The case of a man who died of a Bornavirus infection in Pfaffenhofen, Upper Bavaria, in spring 2025 is now causing concern, especially in the Havelland clinics, which are around 600 kilometers away. Silke Monte, press spokeswoman for the Havelland Clinics, emphasizes that the facilities in Nauen and Rathenow are preparing intensively for possible cases. Another person in Pfaffenhofen is currently receiving medical treatment, while the clinics in Havelland are conducting training on emergency care to provide symptoms, routes of infection and information about specialist clinics. Despite these precautions, the clinics are not yet aware of any cases of Bornavirus, as reported on [maz-online.de](https://www.maz-online.de/lokales/havelland/nauen/toedliches-bornavirus-havelland-kliniken- Preparet-sich-vor-JZJLKN3PP5GY7N6RYINAVNYFEI.html).

But what exactly is the Borna virus? The virus, also known as Borna Disease Virus 1 (BoDV-1), poses a serious threat. It can cause severe inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), which is fatal in most cases. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reports 2 to 6 infections in Germany every year, with a seven-year-old boy in Bavaria recently dying as a result of an infection. Ladies and gentlemen, caution is advised here - the virus is particularly widespread in eastern and southern Germany as well as in Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. A majority of the infected cases were registered in Bavaria, as the reporting on stern.de shows.

Routes of transmission and symptoms

The Bornavirus has a natural host: the field shrew. These small animals show no symptoms themselves, but are carriers of the virus. Infection can occur in humans through contact with their urine, saliva or feces. But how does that work? The exact transmission routes are unclear, but it is believed that humans can become infected through contaminated food or water or by inhaling contaminated dust. Direct biting or contact with the tree shrew's excrement could also promote infection. According to the information from brisant.de, direct transmission from person to person is extremely unlikely.

Signs of infection include fever, headache and a general feeling of illness, combined with neurological symptoms such as behavioral problems, speech and gait disorders. The disease is usually fatal, and survivors usually suffer serious complications. The disease has officially been reportable since 2020, and affected people must be treated immediately in specialized clinics.

Prevention is everything

So what can you do to protect yourself from the Borna virus? One thing is clear: contact with tree shrews and their excrement should be avoided if possible. Experts recommend wearing rubber gloves and protective masks when disposing of dead mice. You should also identify and clean food sources for shrews in the garden and house. It is important to have a good hand here, because prevention is the be-all and end-all to stay out of this danger zone.

Overall, one thing remains clear: the Borna virus is not something to be trifled with. Awareness of this rare but dangerous disease is crucial to protecting yourself and others. Therefore, the current preparations by the Havelland clinics and the information provided to the population are more than just alarming - they are necessary!