Man Dies from Rare Borna Virus in Pfaffenhofen, Bavaria: A Closer Look
Bavarian resident succumbs to uncommon Borna virus infection
Get the latest updates on the rare Borna virus causing concern in Pfaffenhofen, Upper Bavaria.
A tragic incident has occurred in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria, as a man succumbs to the unusual Borna virus. Another man from the same town is currently receiving medical treatment, according to officials from the Pfaffenhofen district office. Both cases have ignited concern and raised questions about the virus and its transmission.
The health authorities are investigating the possible origin of the infection and are in constant touch with experts from the State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL).
Understanding the Borna Disease Virus 1 (BoDV-1)
The LGL acknowledges that BoDV-1 is prevalent in field mice, who excrete the virus in urine, feces, and saliva. The exact method of transmission from field mice to humans remains unclear, with several potential routes being possible, such as consumption of contaminated food or water, or direct contact through harmful substances on skin or inhalation of dust particles.
Protect Yourself Against the Borna Virus
To minimize the risk of infection, the LGL advises avoiding contact with field mice and their excreta. It is strongly recommended not to touch live or dead animals with bare hands.
A Widespread but Rare Threat
BoDV-1 has been known in animals for a long time, and it wasn't until 2018 that its transmission to humans was proven. Typically, it causes fatal encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. The disease became notifiable in 2020, and since then, six acute cases of BoDV-1 encephalitis per reporting year have been reported to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), with a substantial number of cases occurring in Bavaria. Note that transmission from human to human has not been confirmed.
Functional Precautions to Take
To safeguard against infection, follow these measures:
- Avoid contact with field mice and their excretions: When possible, steer clear of areas where mice or shrews might be present.
- Maintain good hygiene: Regularly wash hands after interacting with potential rodent-infested environments.
- Wear protective gear: In environments with possible rodent exposure, utilize masks, gloves, and other protective clothing to prevent inhalation of infectious particles.
While cases of the Borna virus in humans are rare, outbreaks in regions where it is endemic must be taken seriously and managed with caution. Stay informed and prioritize your health and safety.
Sources: ntv.de, als/dpa
Enrichment Data:The Borna virus, particularly BoDV-1, is primarily transmitted to humans through interactions with infected animals or their waste products. Field shrews serve as the primary reservoir for the virus in Germany, particularly in Bavaria. While the exact method of transmission from field mice or shrews to humans remains unclear, exposure may occur through inhalation of dust particles containing these waste products or direct contact with infectious substances on the skin. Human-to-human transmission has not been confirmed. To minimize risk, it is advisable to avoid contact with field mice, maintain good hygiene, and wear protective equipment in environments with potential rodent exposure.
- The Pfaffenhofen community is urged to support one another, share information, and stay informed about the Borna virus and its transmission, as a neighbor is currently under medical-conditions for the same virus.
- To ensure community members' health-and-wellness, it's crucial to partake in vocational training programs that teach safe practices when working in environments where rodents may be present, such as farms or forests.
- Given the emergence of the rare Borna virus in Pfaffenhofen and the confirmed neurological-disorders associated with it, therapies-and-treatments research for the virus should receive increased focus, particularly in the field of mental-health, considering the virus's propensity to cause encephalitis.
