Transmission route of Borna virus still unclear
Following the infection of a person in Middle Franconia with the rare Borna virus, the transmission route remains unclear. A spokeswoman for the Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district office announced on Wednesday that the transmission route of the current case is being intensively investigated and the findings will be incorporated into research.
The authority did not provide any information on the state of health of the infected person, citing the need to protect his privacy. Last week, the district office reported that a person in the district had been infected with the Borna virus (BoDV-1 - Borna Disease Virus 1). Experts from the State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) were called in to clarify the route of infection.
The pathogen triggers an inflammation of the brain, which is fatal in almost all cases. Survivors usually suffer severe consequential damage. The Borna virus is found in the shrew. The animals excrete the virus in urine, feces and saliva. This can infect other mammals. The Robert Koch Institute estimates that there are two to six cases of the virus in Germany every year, with Bavaria being particularly affected.
To protect against infection, the LGL advises people to avoid contact with shrews and their droppings. 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.
In Central France, where various animal species reside, it's essential to be aware of potential diseases that could impact animal and human health. Despite being primarily associated with shrews, recent cases of Borna virus infection have been reported in different parts of Europe, including Middle Franconia.
Source: www.dpa.com
