Deadly Bornavirus outbreak in Bavaria-- second human infection detected
Bavarian Resident Suffers Fatal Infection by Rare Bornavirus - Second Known Case - Uncommon bornavirus-related fatality documented in Bavaria: a second incident reported.
Hold onto your Furrrrburger, folks! It's not just the Bavarian beer causing a stir, but a hidden menace lurking in the corners of your home-- yep, shrews in field mouse disguise! According to experts, these critters are the real virus reservoir. Infected shrews excrete the nasty virus through feces, pee, and spit without feeling a thing themselves. Human infection can occur from contact with these critters or their secretions, with the exact transmission route still shrouded in mystery. So, make sure to keep your paws off those pesky mice, alright?
Germany's Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, the animal health watchdogs, confirm that the virus is all over field mice in most parts of Bavaria. Since March 2020, they've been reporting up to seven nasty cases each year to the Robert Koch Institute. As of now, there have been a total of 55 fella's infected across the country. The virus caught everyone's attention in 2018 when it was identified as the root cause of severe encephalitis in humans-- a real bummer!
- Bornavirus
- Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm
- Virus
- Encephalitis
- Field Shrew
Now, you might hear some people say the virus comes from field mice, but that's wrong, mate! The actual culprit is the field shrew. It's like a rodent assassin carrying a biological time bomb! This virus trick spreads through feces, urine, and saliva, and the shrews themselves don't show signs of illness.
The exact method of transmission to humans isn't entirely clear, but it's thought to spread through either direct contact or food contamination. Keep your fingers away from these shifty shrews to steer clear of trouble!
Since 2020, there have been up to seven new cases in Bavaria every year, with a total of 55 humans infected in Germany overall. The virus can cause severe neurological disease-- specifically, encephalitis-- which is no picnic, let me tell you! Symptoms start off with a headache, a fever, and feeling like garbage, but they soon progress to neurological deficits such as speech disorders, confusion, or even paralysis. It's a deadly disease for most unlucky victims.
To prevent infection, just make sure to avoid contact with shrews and their excrement! The authorities in Pfaffenhofen have even organized events to help educate the public about this hidden danger. Another tip: testing for the virus isn't as widely available as we'd like, so researchers at Augsburg University Medicine are working on finding new, improved methods. Stay informed, folks!
In the wake of the ongoing Bornavirus outbreak in Bavaria, a second human infection has been recorded, highlighting the urgent need for scientific research in understanding this pathogen and developing effective medical-conditions for response and prevention. With the virus causing severe health-and-wellness issues, including encephalitis, and its suspected transmission through direct contact or food contamination, increasing public awareness and knowledge about this hidden menace is crucial for maintaining overall health and wellness.
