Fatal virus: Bornavirus spreads in Bavaria!

Fatal virus: Bornavirus spreads in Bavaria!

In Bavaria, the population is currently alerted by reporting a fatal case of a bornavirus infection. A man from Pfaffenhofen on the Ilm died of the consequences of this rare but dangerous viral infection. Another affected person is currently treated medically and shows symptoms that indicate an infection of the bornavirus. This disease, caused by the Borna Disease Virus 1 (bodv-1), is according to swp.de, especially for humans and usually leads to severe Brain inflammation.

The special thing about the Bornavirus is that the main host is the Feldspitzmaus. The virus is excreted through urine, feces and saliva of these animals, but the main transmission paths to humans are still unclear. Possible infection paths are the recording via contaminated food or water as well as lubricating infections via contaminated soil. Experts recommend avoiding contact with pointed mice and their excretions and not touching living and dead animals with bare hands.

disease heavy and symptoms

The symptoms of a bornavirus infection can range from fever and headache to severe neurological abnormalities. In advanced cases, behavioral problems and confusion often occur, which can lead to a coma within a few days. fuldaerzeitung.de describes that the diagnosis is made using a PCR test from brain water or brain tissue. The incubation period is several weeks to months, which makes early detection difficult.

In a recent report by other media, it is pointed out that between two and six infections with the Borna virus are registered annually in Germany, with Bavaria sadly listing most cases. There is no specific therapy against the virus, which also complicated the situation. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) expects that between five and ten acute illnesses will also be recorded in the coming years, especially in the endemic areas, which also include parts of Baden-Württemberg, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony and Thuringia. stuttgarter-nachrichten.de also reports from a case where animals in Oberbayern, including hedgehogs, suspected of a Bornavirus infection.

precautionary measures and public warning

The district office Ebersberg has already given a warning and appeals to the citizens to avoid suspicious animals. Cats that have contact with infected mice could possibly continue to carry the virus indirectly, but keeping cats is not considered a high risk as long as no dead or living field spy mice are touched. Nevertheless, the clarification of the virus and the associated dangers is important to prevent spread.

The message of a second sick man in Bavaria makes it clear that there is a need for action here. The topic is not only important for the regional health authorities, but also for the population itself. In view of the increasing number of cases and the danger of the virus, vigilance is required. It remains to be hoped that awareness of the possibilities of transmission and protective measures will be sharpened in order to avoid further infections.