Highly dangerous Bornavirus: Man dies in Pfaffenhofen!

Highly dangerous Bornavirus: Man dies in Pfaffenhofen!

In a tragic case from the Pfaffenhofen district on the ILM, there are current developments around the dangerous Bornavirus. A man in the fifties died, another suffered seriously ill and is treated in intensive care. This threatening viral infection is not only a medical challenge, but also raises questions about security and protective measures for the population. As reports Image, the exact circumstances of the infection are still unclear. Both patients are not related, but the question remains: where and how did they get infected?

The BornaVirus (Borna Disease Virus 1, Bodv-1) is known for causing almost fatal brain inflammation that has a lethality of over 90%. The infection initially shows symptoms such as fever and headache, which can quickly develop into neurological abnormalities. Just as the Augsburger Allgemeine can take weeks or months until the symptoms can occur significantly, which is considerably more difficult to tracify. The cause of the infections are usually the Feldspitz mice that do not show any symptoms themselves, but give the virus over their urine, feces and saliva.

transmission paths and risk groups

The bornavirus is not only transmitted via direct contact with the small rodents, but can also be done by contaminated earth or dust. People who work in rural areas in gardening and forest work or at farms are particularly at risk. In addition, cats are identified as malfunction - their free -girders make them potential transfers of the virus in our households. It is alarming to determine that of eight known deaths in Germany seven patients had a cat as a pet. Therefore, it is definitely advisable to see a veterinarian immediately in the event of abnormalities in the behavior of cats to recognize possible risks at an early stage.

The general public may be shaken up by the infection cases. As also explained onMeda, there is currently no vaccination or effective treatment options for the Bornavirus. Therefore, preventive hygiene measures are all the more important. These include wearing protective gloves and respiratory protection masks when dealing with earth or in dusty work as well as careful washing of the hands after contact with animals.

The situation in Bavaria

In Bavaria, infections have been documented with the Bornavirus for many years. Since 1996, medium -sized number of cases has been evident in the region. Infection cases have been recorded more precisely since the introduction of the 2020 reporting obligation. Last year up to seven cases of encephalitis were reported annually by the virus, with Bavaria still listing most cases.

The current cases from Pfaffenhofen make it clear that it remains important in today's world to show vigilance and to take preventive measures. The health department in Bavaria and the State Office for Health and Food Safety have already started investigations to clarify the background of the infections and to protect the population as best as possible.