Red alarm level: Borna virus demands the first fatalities in Bavaria!

Red alarm level: Borna virus demands the first fatalities in Bavaria!

An alarming health risk is spreading in Germany: The Borna Disease Virus 1 (Bodv-1) has now been demonstrated in two cases in Bavaria. The virus, which is highly neurological and causes severe brain inflammation, leads to death in most cases. According to Schwäbische Feldspitzmaus.

The possible transmission to humans usually takes place through direct contact with Feldspitz mice or their excretions such as urine, feces and saliva. A transfer via contaminated dust particles or food could also take place. The virus gets into the human body through various transmission paths, including lubrication infections. People who work in stables where contact with the pathogen is most likely are particularly at risk.

background to Borna virus

The Borna Virus has been known for over 250 years, at that time it was described as the cause of diseases in animals, especially for horses and sheep. The infection of humans with lethal encephalitis has only been documented since 2018. The symptoms typically begin with flu -like symptoms such as fever and headache. After a while, neurological symptoms such as hallucinations and ataxia can be added that can pass into a coma. To four cases, all known patients died, which indicates the high lethality that causes the virus.

The exact transmission to humans remains unclear, but it was observed that the infection can arise from direct contact with infected animals or their excretions. The transmission between humans is considered extremely unlikely, but there is a documented infection via an organ transplant. The virus could also be transferred indirectly, for example by the oral cavity and gustative nerve pathways, but this has not yet been sufficiently researched.

Current situation and protective measures

Currently Bavaria has two confirmed Borna cases, with one of the infected people already died. The health department works closely with the State Office for Health and Food Safety to understand the exact path of infection. This disease has been reported in Germany since 2020, and up to six acute cases are registered annually, mainly in Bavaria, but also in parts of Baden-Württemberg, Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg.

Borna’s illness is a serious, potentially lethal zoonose that requires intensive research. In particular, the exact transmission paths and the development of effective therapeutic approaches are topics that are to be dealt with in future studies to expand the knowledge of epidemiology, pathogenesis and therapy of this dangerous disease. More about this, including preventive measures, is on the pages of the yellow list and lgl bayern to be found.