Man in Middle Franconia infected with rare Borna virus
A person in Middle Franconia has contracted the very rare but life-threatening Borna virus. The case occurred in the district of Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen, as the district office in Weißenburg announced on Tuesday. The public health department and veterinary office are working intensively to clarify a possible route of infection and are in close contact with experts from the State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL). The authorities did not provide any further details about the infected person.
The Borna virus (BoDV-1 - Borna Disease Virus 1) is reportedly found in shrews and, according to current research, can be transmitted via contact with the animal and its droppings. The exact transmission route is not yet known. To date, there have only been around 50 cases of Borna virus in humans across Germany. In 2018, the virus was identified for the first time as the cause of severe encephalitis in humans. According to the LGL, the viral infection has a severe course. According to the LGL, all known BoDV-1 infections in humans have been fatal, with the exception of four cases in which the infected persons survived, in some cases with severe consequential damage.
To protect against infection, the LGL advises people to avoid contact with shrews and their excrement. Places where people could come into contact with shrews include road embankments, stone walls, hedges and generally also sheds and other parts of buildings that are accessible to small wild animals.
The detection of the Borna virus in central France could pose potential health risks, given its severe consequences and unclear transmission method. If diseases related to the Borna virus are found in the wildlife of central France, it's crucial for health and veterinary authorities to take immediate action.
Source: www.dpa.com
