Tragic Incident: Deadly Borna Virus Strikes Upper Bavaria - Man Perishes
Upper Bavaria Encounter with Rare Borna Virus Fatal - Uncommon Borna Virus Claims Life in Upper Bavaria
Hey there! I'm here to fill you in on some not-so-fun news that's been making waves in Upper Bavaria. A man succumbed to complications from an infection caused by the rare and lethal Borna virus. Another man, also from Pfaffenhofen, is currently fighting the virus.
health officials are working diligently to pinpoint the root of the infection and are in constant communication with the experts at the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL).
The Borna Disease Virus 1 (BoDV-1) resides mainly in the field mouse, and these little critters excrete the virus through urine, feces, and saliva, according to the LGL. To safeguard yourself from infection, they advise maintaining distance from these rodents and their excretions. It's essential to remember not to touch dead or live field mice with bare hands.
Dive Deeper:
Borna Disease Virus 1 (BoDV-1), or Bornavirus, has been found in Upper Bavaria after the unfortunate death of one man and the hospitalization of another. This virus is notorious for causing fatal brain inflammation and has been linked to a high mortality rate. The disease has been notifiable since 2020. In Bavaria alone, several cases of BoDV-1 encephalitis have been reported to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) each year since then.
Transmission
The field shrew is the virus's natural host, which can transmit the virus through its saliva, urine, feces, and possibly even its skin. Experts suspect that transmission to humans may occur through:
- Direct Contact: encounter with infected shrews or their waste
- Indirect Routes: inhaling contaminated dust in shrew-affected areas, contact with polluted soil or water, or pets that hunt shrews
- Smear Infections or Contaminated Food: also thought to be potential vectors
Symptoms
The infection begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, and malaise. As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms become apparent, including speech disorders, confusion, personality changes, seizures, impaired balance, and paralysis. Severe brain inflammation can lead to coma and death within a few weeks if left untreated.
Prevention
To protect yourself:
- Avoid Contact: Refrain from touching shrews or their droppings with bare hands.
- Avoid Contaminated Areas: Be cautious in areas where shrews are known to reside.
- Attend Information Events: Attend regional health events to stay alert about the risks and prevention strategies.
The community is urged to familiarize themselves with the local policy regarding the prevention of Borna Disease Virus 1 (BoDV-1), particularly focusing on avoiding contact with shrews and their excretions.
In light of the increasing number of neurological disorders linked to BoDV-1 and its high mortality rate, considering vocational training in health-and-wellness, medical-conditions, or science fields could equip individuals to contribute to public health initiatives and research.
