Individual in Bavaria perishes, another man critically battles for survival
Let's Dive into the Scary World of the Borna Virus
Hey there, folks! Ever heard about the Borna virus? Seems like it's making waves in Bavaria lately.
Two guys from Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria, have recently been hit by this mysterious virus. One of them even paid the ultimate price. The news broke out thanks to the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation (BR).
Now, what's this virus all about, you ask? Well, it's named BoDV-1 and it's transmitted by those pesky field mice. They may look innocent, but they're carriers of the pathogen. And guess what? They don't even show symptoms.
If other mammals, such as sheep, horses, and us humans come into contact with the virus, they can get very sick. In humans, BoDV-1 causes severe brain inflammation, and that's a big problem.
It's been scientifically proven only in 2018 that Borna virus infects humans. Each year in Germany, five to ten people contract it. Compared to the 200 people struck by lightning annually, you can say it's rare.
The virus is mostly found in the center and south of the country. The affected areas include all of Bavaria, various regions in Lower Saxony, Thuringia, Baden-Württemberg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and the western part of Brandenburg.
An infection usually starts unspecifically, with common symptoms like headache and fever. Since it's difficult to spot, it's often diagnosed late, and there's no specific treatment.
In past cases in Germany, quick onset of severe neurological symptoms like behavioral changes, speech and gait disorders occurred. Unfortunately, these cases were usually fatal within a few weeks, with a few exceptions.
The two men who got it in Bavaria are in their mid-50s, and it's still unclear whether there's a connection between them.
Taking Precautions
With the rising number of cases, people may be concerned about how to protect themselves. The Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety advises a few simple measures to help prevent infections:
- Stay Away from Field Mice: Keep your hands off these creepy critters and their droppings.
- Avoid Their Territories: Stay away from places they inhabit, such as ditches, stone walls, or hedges.
- No Free Lunch: Don’t leave food for pets or trash lying around, as field mice might be tempted to visit.
When dealing with dead field mice:
Use disposable gloves and wear a close-fitting FFP2 mask while disposing of them.
Hantavirus Identification
If you come across a mole with pointier faces, relatively small eyes and ears, and a pungent odor, it might be a carrier of the hantavirus. Field voles are very rare and live on wasteland.
Since there's no specific vaccine for Borna virus yet, the best way to avoid it is by practicing good hygiene and keeping a safe distance from sick animals.
USA Strengthens Measles Warning
On a different note, the US health authority is warning unvaccinated individuals to reconsider their travel plans due to an increase in measles cases on flights.
Those dealing with chronic diseases or mental health issues, including neurological disorders, should be cautious while traveling, as the Borna virus, a brain inflammation-causing virus, is on the rise in certain regions of Germany.It's essential to prioritize health and wellness, especially when traveling, by taking preventative measures like maintaining good hygiene and avoiding contact with sick animals, to guard against the transmission of the Borna virus and other pathogens.*In light of the rising number of measles cases in the US, it's recommended that unvaccinated individuals consider the potential risks before scheduling international travel, to protect themselves and others from the spread of infectious diseases.
