Overview
- In mid-May a 79-year-old from Landkreis Regen was confirmed with Borna Disease Virus 1 and is being treated in an intensive care unit, local health officials reported.
- A separate May infection was confirmed in southwest Landkreis Ludwigslust-Parchim in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, marking a detected case outside Bavaria this month.
- Authorities say the field shrew (Crocidura leucodon) is the only known natural reservoir, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, and the Robert Koch Institute estimates about five to ten human cases a year in Germany.
- BoDV-1 causes severe encephalitis with rapid neurological decline, has no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine, and health agencies advise targeted precautions such as disposable gloves, disinfecting carcasses, and wearing FFP2/FFP3 masks and eye protection when disturbing dusty enclosed spaces.
- Officials stress surveillance and diagnostics are being maintained, response focuses on preventing exposure rather than killing the protected shrew, and public guidance aims to protect people who work or live at rural interfaces where shrews and humans meet.