Another Death from Borna Virus Reported in Bavaria - Borna Virus Kills Second Person in Bavaria, Prompting Health Alerts
A rare but fatal Borna virus infection has struck the Tirschenreuth district in Bavaria, leading to the death of a 57-year-old from the northern Upper Palatinate district. This is the second such case in the region, raising concerns and prompting local health insurance authorities to issue guidelines.
The Borna Disease Virus 1 (BoDV-1), previously known only to affect animals, has now been identified as the cause of severe brain inflammation in humans. The virus is primarily transmitted by field voles through saliva, urine, feces, and skin, and can also infect other animals like horses, sheep, and hedgehogs.
Experts are currently investigating the cause of the infection, with the health insurance department of Tirschenreuth district and the state health insurance department leading the effort. To minimize risk, they recommend keeping voles out of homes and not leaving pet food outside. If a pet brings in a dead field vole, the carcass should first be sprayed with cleaning agents. When disposing of a dead field vole, protective gear such as gloves, protective glasses, and a mask should be worn.
The recent cases highlight the importance of public awareness about the Borna virus. Local health insurance authorities like the Gesundheitsamt Tirschenreuth and experts at the Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit (LGL) are providing crucial recommendations to prevent further spread. As the investigation into the transmission route continues, the public is urged to follow these guidelines to ensure their safety.
