Cases of Rare Bornavirus Found in Bavaria, Germany - Second Known Infection
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Rare Bornavirus Claims Life in Bavaria - Second Recorded Case - Rare Bornavirus Triggers Fatal Incident in Bavaria - Second Documented Case of Infection Identified
Field shrews are suspected carriers of the mysterious Bornavirus. These little rodents supposedly spread the virus through their bodily fluids without showing any signs of illness themselves. Potential transmission to humans may occur through contact with infected animals or their waste, with the specific route of transmission still uncertain. Health officials advise the public to keep clear from field shrews and their waste particles.
The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, in charge of animal health, reports that the virus is prevalent in field shrews all throughout Bavaria. Since mandatory reporting started on March 1, 2020, about seven acute infection cases per reporting year have been reported to the Robert Koch Institute in Germany. Across the country, a total of 55 infections have been documented. The virus was first spotted as the reason for severe encephalitis in humans back in 2018.
- Bornavirus
- Field Shrew
- Virus
- Infection
- Bavaria
- Bodily Fluids
Additional Insights:
Detailed research has determined that the field shrew is the only known animal that carries the Bornavirus consistently without falling ill. Infected shrews are believed to shed the virus through saliva, feces, urine, and potentially their skin, contaminating their immediate surroundings [2][1]. Human infections may be caused by:
- Inhaling contaminated dust during activities such as gardening or spending time in sheds
- Contact with contaminated soil, water, or food
- Direct bite from a shrew
- Indirect transmission through pets that hunt shrews, although this has yet to be scientifically supported [2]
Human-to-human transmission is incredibly rare, usually associated with organ transplant cases [2].
Several cases of Bornavirus have recently turned up in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria, prompting ongoing investigations. Among these cases, a man has died, and another is currently in the hospital [1]. Make sure to protect yourself by wearing protective gear when working in gardens or sheds where shrews may reside, and keep pets cleaned and hygienic if they hunt shrews [2].
Symptoms of Human Infection:
Initial symptoms of Bornavirus can resemble those of a common flu, including fever, headaches, and general discomfort [2]. This light phase can progress to severe symptoms such as:
- Speech disorders
- Unsteady gait
- Notable personality changes
- Seizures
Advanced stages of the disease often lead to severe brain inflammation (encephalitis), coma, and, without appropriate care, can be fatal [2][3].
Prevention:
- Avoid contact with field shrews and their waste
- When gardening, wear gloves and masks
- Wash hands thoroughly after interacting with pets that may have come into contact with shrews
| Aspect | Details ||------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|| Carrier | Field Shrews || Human Transmission| Inhalation/contact with contaminated dust, soil, water, food; rare bite || Human-to-Human | Extremely rare (organ transplant cases) || Symptoms | Flu-like onset, speech/gait disorders, personality changes, seizures || Disease Progression| Rapid progression to severe encephalitis, coma, death || Prevention | Avoid shrews/waste, wear protective gear, monitor pets, hygiene || Current Cases | Recent cases in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, at least one fatality |
These facts represent the most current findings and official recommendations regarding Bornavirus in Germany [1][2][3]. Stay informed and protect your health accordingly.
- Despite evidence suggesting that field shrews are the only known carriers of Bornavirus and research indicating various transmission routes to humans, science continues to record medical conditions such as severe encephalitis and death following human infections.
- In light of the recent cases of Bornavirus in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria, it is paramount to adhere to health-and-wellness guidelines, including avoiding contact with field shrews and their waste, wearing protective gear when gardening or handling pets that may have interacted with shrews, and ensuring proper hygiene to prevent potential infections.
