A fatal borna virus has been detected in Germany for the first time
The first case of infection with the deadly borna virus has been detected in northern Germany. The infected person was identified in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district of the federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
This was reported by the German publication DW.
At this time, details regarding the patient’s condition have not been officially disclosed. It is known only that the person is alive.
According to the n-tv television channel, this is the first case of Borna disease recorded in this region of Germany.
The Borna virus (BV) causes severe inflammation of the brain, which is often fatal. The disease affects both animals and humans.
Shrews are considered the primary carriers of the infection. Humans can become infected through contact with contaminated areas, particularly while cleaning barns or sheds where these animals live.
Horses, cows, and sheep can also contract Borna disease.
In Germany, approximately 5–10 cases of borna virus infection are reported each year. The infection is most commonly detected in Bavaria, in the southern part of the country.
In recent months, two people have died from Borna disease in Bavaria.
Previously, isolated cases of infection were also recorded in Brandenburg and Lower Saxony, but the virus has not yet been detected in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania or Schleswig-Holstein.
