Diseases
Person in Bavaria infected with Borna virus
The undated image shows evidence of Borna virus antibodies in the tissue. photo
© Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine/dpa
The pathogen usually occurs in the field shrew. In humans it causes brain inflammation, which is often fatal. Now there is another case in Bavaria.
The health department and veterinary office are intensively involved in clarifying the route of infection, it was said about the current case. The Borna Disease Virus 1 (BoDV-1) occurs in the field shrew. The animals excrete the virus in urine, feces and saliva. Other mammals can become infected through this.
To protect yourself from infection, the LGL advises avoiding contact with shrews and their excrement. Live or dead animals should not be touched with bare hands.
The pathogen has been known in animals for a long time. It has only been proven since 2018 that BoDV-1 can also be transmitted to humans and usually causes fatal encephalitis. The Robert Koch Institute assumes that there are two to six illnesses every year in Germany, with Bavaria being particularly affected.
Communication from the district office Information from the LGL on the Borna virus Robert Koch Institute on Bornaviruses