Attention: Dangerous Borna virus is affecting Bavaria – protect yourself!

Attention: Dangerous Borna virus is affecting Bavaria – protect yourself!

A shocking incident shook the Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district in Bavaria: A death from the Borna Disease Virus 1 (BoDV-1) was reported. Another person became seriously ill, drawing attention to this dangerous virus that can be transmitted by the inconspicuous tree shrew. Loud myHomebook The symptoms of an infection appear quickly and usually lead to death within a few weeks.

BoDV-1 causes a serious and rapidly progressive encephalitis, also known as encephalitis. Transmission occurs primarily through the saliva, urine and feces of the field shrew, which is common in many rural areas. People who often work in the garden or are near compost heaps are particularly at risk. The risk of infection is high, especially in the home environment, as the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) emphasizes. A fact sheet has been created to raise awareness of the dangers and encourage appropriate precautions.

Risks and prevention measures

The virus is transmitted from field shrews to humans via various routes. These include contact with carcasses or excreta and inhalation of contaminated dust particles. The Robert Koch Institute and the LGL Bavaria recommend using disposable gloves and respiratory masks when handling dead tree shrews. The discovery of such an animal should be treated with particular caution: after contact, thorough body cleaning and washing of clothes are essential.

Symptoms that indicate an infection include headache, fever and neurological deficits. In most cases, the infection is fatal because there is currently no targeted therapy or early warning system. The diagnosis is often only made at an advanced stage. Loud LGL Bavaria Severe encephalitis has been known in humans since 2018, and the number of reported cases each year is limited, but almost all of them end fatally.

The role of the field shrew

The field shrew (Crocidura leucodon) is the only known animal that can transmit BoDV-1 to humans. It excretes the virus without becoming ill itself and therefore poses a great risk to the human population. The field shrew is widespread in southern and eastern Germany, particularly in Bavaria, Thuringia, Saxony and Baden-Württemberg.

The current situation highlights the need for a responsible approach to nature, especially for garden lovers. It is important to be aware of the dangers that can arise when gardening. A good knack for safety measures can save lives here. Given the rarity of cases in Germany - there are usually only five to ten per year - the seriousness of the situation should not be underestimated. It is hoped that future research projects can provide more information and possibly treatment options that protect the population.