Bornavirus Detected in Bavarian Hedgehogs Sparks Health Warning

Authorities caution the public about the rare but deadly virus found in animals, urging preventive measures to minimize human risk.

The Bornavirus has been confirmed in several hedgehogs in Bavaria, prompting health warnings from local authorities.
Humans can contract the virus in extremely rare cases, leading to severe brain inflammation with potentially fatal outcomes.
The field shrew is the primary known vector for transmitting the virus to humans, through contact with its bodily excretions.
Precautionary measures include using gloves and masks when handling dead shrews or potentially contaminated materials.
Bavaria has recorded a moderate number of human infections since 1996, with a few cases reported annually since 2020.