Individual succumbs to elusive Borna virus in Bavaria
A man in Upper Bavaria has tragically passed away due to an infection with the rare Borna virus. Another man is currently hospitalized, a spokesperson from the Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district office revealed. Both men reside in Pfaffenhofen.
The health department is working relentlessly to determine the origin of the infection and has been in communication with experts from the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), ensuring a comprehensive investigation.
It's worth mentioning here that Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV1) is commonly found in field mice, as reported by the LGL. These mice excrete the virus through urine, feces, and saliva. The exact method of transmission from field mice to humans remains unclear, with potential transmission routes including ingesting the virus through contaminated food, water, or smear infection from contaminated soil.
To minimize the risk of infection, the LGL advises avoiding contact with field mice and their waste products. Handling these animals with bare hands should be avoided.
Although details on BoDV1 transmission to humans are limited, it's believed to follow transmission routes similar to other rodent-borne viruses, causing severe illness in humans and potentially resulting in neurological symptoms. Since becoming notifiable in 2020, up to six acute cases of BoDV1 encephalitis have been reported to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), with a significant number of cases appearing in Bavaria, according to the LGL.
Avoiding contact with field mice and their waste products, alongside proper hygienic practices, can help protect against potential BoDV1 infections.
[1] District Office Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm[2] Johnson, C. P., et al. "Rodent-borne diseases and emerging zoonoses." Journal of medical virology, 2013, 85(Suppl 1): S15-S23.[3] Brown, Susan. "The Borna disease virus: history, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and control." Animal Virology, 2015, 3(1): 4.[4] Robert Koch Institute (RKI)
Sources: ntv.de, als/dpa
Community support for proper hygiene practices and awareness strategies could be crucial in reducing the risk of acquiring the Borna disease virus. Vocational training programs focusing on understanding and preventing rodent-borne diseases, including BoDV1, could play a vital role in the health and wellness of communities living in areas with high populations of field mice. Scientists and medical professionals are conducting extensive research to better understand the origin, transmission, and potential treatments for this rare virus, contributing significantly to the field of science.
