Dangerous Bornavirus: Death in Bavaria shocks the population

Dangerous Bornavirus: Death in Bavaria shocks the population

Some health news from Germany is currently causing concern. The Bornavirus, also known as Borna Disease Virus 1 (Bodv-1), is a rare but extremely dangerous virus, which occurs especially in animals such as horses, sheep and rodents. The Fuldaer Zeitung reports that there has been a death in Upper Bavaria in recent times, which is due to a bornavirus infection. This is an alarming sign that should draw attention to everyone in the affected areas.

The natural host of the Bornavirus is the Feldspitzmaus, which exits the virus via saliva, urine and feces. These small animals are widespread in rural areas and their habitats often overlap with those of people. Onmeda points out that the transfer of virus in Germany has been known since 2018. Around five to ten acute cases of illness occur in Germany, with Bavaria the highest number.

How is the virus transferred?

The exact transmission of the Bornavirus has not yet been fully clarified, but it is believed that the contact with the excretions of the Feldspitz mouse, contaminated earth and possibly even inhaling infectious particles play a role. The rnd is also documented that infections are also documented at igels Although it remains unclear whether you can pass on the virus. On top of that, cats who spend some time with pointed mice can indirectly pass on the virus to people without being infected themselves.

In endemic areas, where the risk of infection is higher-especially in Bavaria, Thuringia, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and parts of Austria and Switzerland-some precautions should be taken. This includes avoiding contact with Feldspitz mice and wearing protective gloves and respiratory protection masks in gardening.

first the symptoms, then the diagnosis

The symptoms of a Bornavirus infection can initially appear comparatively mild: headache and body aches, fever and general feelings of illness are the first signs. But in the course of the more serious neurological disorders that can ultimately lead to coma. The Fuldaer Zeitung describes the dramatic development of language and gait disorders up to Behavioral problems and possibly even seizures.

So far, there is no special therapy or vaccination against the BornaVirus, so that medical treatment is limited to intensive care measures. Often the diagnosis is only made in advanced disease stages, which makes the situation more difficult. For this reason, it is of central importance to be aware of the symptoms and to act quickly in the event of suspicion.