Borna virus detected in Germany: “Rare, but life-threatening”

The Borna virus is extremely rare, but the disease is fatal in many cases. A new case has emerged in Germany.

District of Mühldorf am Inn – The disease is extremely rare, and yet there are isolated cases with the pathogen in Germany: the Borna virus. Such a case was recently reported in the western district of Mühldorf am Inn. The district office announced this in a statement on Tuesday (June 7).

The disease occurred after an “infection with the extremely rare but life-threatening Borna virus (BoDV-1 – Borna Disease Virus 1)”, the statement said. So far, “around 40 cases of BoDV-1 diseases have been detected in humans.”

Rare disease in Germany: what is the Borna virus?

But what is the Borna virus all about? According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the causative agent of what is known as Borna’s disease is primarily known to affect animals such as horses, sheep and other mammals in Central Europe. In 2018, the virus was then “detected for the first time as a cause of severe brain inflammation (encephalitis) in humans,” the RKI informed in a statement leaflet. The carrier of BoDV-1 in nature is the common shrew, which is found in central and south-eastern Europe. According to RKI information, the viruses are excreted by infected field shrews in saliva, urine and faeces, among other things, which can be ingested by other animals, for example when eating.

“Various transmission routes are conceivable for humans,” said the RKI. In addition to direct contact with the mice or their excrements, contaminated food or water and inhaling the virus via contaminated dust can also lead to infection. According to the RKI, transmission from person to person is very unlikely. “Animals other than shrews are also considered non-infectious to animals and humans.”

Borna virus: How many cases are there in Germany?

In addition to the Mühldorf am Inn district office, the RKI also points out that an illness with the Borna virus is extremely rare. Around two to six acute cases occur every year, most of them in Bavaria. In addition to the current case, two other diseases have occurred in the affected district in the past three years. That is why the district office says it is in exchange with experts.

The Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) will “consider the current case of infection in its ongoing research on the Borna virus,” it said. In this context, District Administrator Max Heimerl is committed to intensifying the previous studies on the virus “in order to clarify the situation on site, the cause and the previously unknown routes of infection and thereby avoid further infections.”

Borna virus in Germany: what symptoms can occur?

The notifiable Borna’sche disease manifested itself in previously known patients with headache, fever and a general feeling of illness. “In all cases of the disease, there were then neurological symptoms, such as behavioral problems and speech and gait disorders, and then a coma within days or a few weeks,” said the RKI leaflet. According to the information, all previous illnesses were fatal with just one exception. There are no specific treatment options for the virus, either for humans or animals. After the first symptoms appear, those affected die within a few weeks or months.

In view of the few cases in Germany, the probability of infection is very low. Certain precautionary measures taken by the RKI can further reduce this risk:

• Live or dead shrews should not be touched with bare hands
• If you discover a shrew in its environment, it is important to locate and remove the food source
• Compost heaps and other debris attract shrews with insects

Borna virus: Tips on getting rid of a dead shrew

Anyone who discovers a dead shrew, for example because a cat brought it into the house, should remove the animal immediately. The RKI recommends wearing rubber gloves and, if possible, a tight-fitting health mask if dust is generated. Here’s how you should do it:

• Thoroughly spray the dead shrew and excrement with a commercially available cleaning agent. This prevents virus-laden dust from being stirred up during disposal
• Pick up the shrew in a plastic bag, seal the bag and dispose of with household waste
• Thoroughly clean contaminated surfaces with household cleaners
• Take a thorough shower (including hair) and wash used clothing

Although the Borna virus can cause a life-threatening disease, the probability of infection in Germany is low. The Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety has set up an email address for concerned citizens: [email protected] (cheese)

Meanwhile, monkeypox is spreading in Germany and Europe. According to a clinic, the first patient has now recovered.