Borna virus threatens Upper Bavaria: Health office warns of pointed mice!

Borna virus threatens Upper Bavaria: Health office warns of pointed mice!

Ebersberg, Deutschland - In the past few weeks there have been worrying messages about the Borna virus, which occurred in stables in the Ebersberg district. The district office has issued a clear warning: Although the risk of infection for people is assessed as low, the authorities still recommend increased caution. Like Merkur In Ebersberg and a Lama in Kirchseeon, euthanasia are carried out after the virus has been detected. A suspicion of a horse in Straußdorf near Grafing is on verification.

In recent years there have been increasing suspicions. In 2024, two suspected cases in horses and three confirmed infections were registered in igeln in 2024. These animals are affected by the severe course of illness that the virus can trigger. People are not the primary carriers; The danger comes from Feldspitzmäusen, who act as reservoir hosts and spread the virus without developing themselves. A third of the pointed mice in affected regions are identified as the carrier of the virus, such as Br illustrated.

borna virus: an old threat

The Borna virus has a long story that goes back to the 19th century. In 1894 there was mysterious deaths in a horse stable in Borna, Saxony, Saxony, which later became known as Borna’s illness. It took until 2018 for the virus officially recognized as transferable to humans. The first documented infections in humans were created by breeders of colored hearing that suffered from severe brain inflammation. Statistics show that five to ten people fall ill annually in Germany, with over 97 percent of those affected. "A dangerous virus from which there is no protection," said the warnings of the health authorities.

in the district of Rottal-Inn and in Maitenbeth, district Mühldorf, there have already been two deaths in children in recent years. In addition to the tragic individual fates, the example of Tom Tümmers, a 17-year-old who was infected with the virus in 2021 and has been fighting extreme health challenges since then. He was in treatment for over two years and had to learn everything again, a hard reality for the whole family, as the BR reminds.

precautionary measures and recommendations

The health department indicates that the highest caution is required for contacts with Feldspitz mice and their excretions. Contaminated food, contaminated air or earth are the most common infection paths. You can also protect yourself from wearing rubber gloves and FFP2 masks when removing the rubber gloves when removing. In addition, information for farmers and horse owners was held in May 2025 to raise awareness. The warning symptoms for infected animals remain: absent, uncoordinated behavior and refusal to eat are clear indications.

Unfortunately there is no vaccination against the Borna virus, and the treatment is only experimentally and individually, according to the Bavarian State for Health and Food Safety . The best defense remains to avoid contact with the endangered animals and a careful handling of nature around the stables. The situation remains tense and all those affected are called to remain vigilant.