Bornavirus: Death in Bavaria - health expert alarmed!
Bornavirus: Death in Bavaria - health expert alarmed!
Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Deutschland - The municipality of Pfaffenhofen on the Ilm in Upper Bavaria has shaken a tragic incident: a man died of the consequences of a Bornavirus infection caused by the Borna Disease Virus 1 (Bodv-1). Another sick person is currently being treated. The Bornavirus is suspected of being spread over the excretions of Feldspitz mice. These small animals divide the virus over urine, feces and saliva.
close contact points for virus
As mentioned in a report by LR online, the exact transmission path to humans remains unclear. However, researchers suspect that transmission via contaminated food or water as well as through lubricating infection via contaminated earth is possible. It is urgently recommended to avoid contact with Feldspitz mice and their excretions. Special caution is advised not to touch living or dead animals with bare hands.
The Bornavirus has been proven to be transferable to humans since 2018 and often leads to severe, often fatal brain inflammation. Such diseases have also been reported since 2020. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), up to six acute cases of bodv-1 encephalitis are reported annually.
areas with increased risk
The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine has identified endemic areas for Bornavirus in Germany, which include not only Bavaria, but also parts of Baden-Württemberg, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony and Thuringia. There are also adjacent regions in Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein in risk areas. Despite the worrying circumstances, infections are extremely rare, only about six cases are registered annually.
zoological research for transmission
A comprehensive study published in "The Lancet Infectious Diseases" is devoted to the transmission of the Bodv-1 from Feldspitzmäusen to humans. This study shows that the risk of infection is very low compared to other zoonotic diseases. The researchers have examined all relevant information, including brain samples from 29 suspected cases of human bodv 1 encephalitis. In addition, over 20 institutions were involved in the study that provided rehearsals of pets and zoo animals to further research the transfer of transmission.
The symptoms of a Bornavirus infection can include headaches, fever, confusion and neurological abnormalities that can lead to coma and death. A special therapy against the virus is not available.
Health protection remains important
In view of the current cases, it is important to act as a precaution and to examine unclear encephalitis cases in affected areas for the virus. A persistent awareness of the Bornavirus and the behaviors to avoid infection is of central importance. In order to minimize the risk, measures such as avoiding contact with Feldspitz mice and their legacies should be strictly observed.Overall, it can be hoped that the dangers of the Bornavirus can be contained through extensive research and early detection. Further information on this topic can be found at lr online href = "https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-02192-X"> Nature and BMBF can be found.
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| Ort | Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Deutschland |
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