Family loses child through infection: Maitenbeth in constant danger of Borna virus

Created: 07/09/2022, 22:20

By: Anja Leitner

Two children from Maitenbeth died of the Borna virus.

The community plays a key role in research into the disease.

The situation is difficult.

Maitenbeth – The Borna virus is an issue everywhere in Maitenbeth (Mühldorf district).

Especially since a family lost a child to the infection a few weeks ago.

At the regular tables, in the church, in front of the day care centers, the virus, which has not yet been researched so far, is being talked about everywhere, reports a pensioner who would prefer to remain anonymous.

Borna virus in Bavaria: "People are very careful"

"People are very careful," he says.

“Anxious would be the wrong expression.” Many no longer put out wet food for dogs or cats for fear that the food could attract insects that also feed on the shrew, which is believed to be the carrier.

"I have grandchildren myself," says Maitenbether.

"We explained to them that they should stay away from the forest - for example when they get grass or clover from the meadow for rabbit food." Some neighbors have closed their composting sites, he reports.

So no mice can get in.

Many citizens just don't let their house cats out for fear that they might bring mice into the house.

Despite all these precautionary measures, the situation is very difficult, reports the pensioner.

“We know very little about the Borna virus.

That unsettles.”

In the village of Maitenbeth (district of Mühldorf a. Inn), two people have contracted the Borna virus so far.

© MM Archive

Bornavirus: Scientists examine blood samples from people from Maitenbeth

The Maitenbether are waiting for the results of the study commissioned by the State Office for Health and Food Safety.

Many citizens had their blood drawn for this.

The results are expected in autumn.

"We want to know where and how the virus is transmitted so that we can protect ourselves from it - especially the children."

(By the way: Our Bayern newsletter informs you about all the important stories from Bavaria. Register here.)

Borona virus in Bavaria: Study on shrews in the region should bring clarity

The Friedrich Loeffler Institute is studying the shrews in the region.

The study will run until September 2023, but it is not yet clear when the first results will be available.

The field shrew (Crocidura leucodon) is considered a natural reservoir for the Borna virus.

© W. Willner/imago

After Bornavirus death: "Uncertainty hard to bear"

"We mourn the two children who died," says Mayor Thomas Stark.

All Maitenbether would follow exactly the measures that the experts advise.

"The uncertainty is hard to bear," says Stark.

"We are all eagerly awaiting the study results and hope that we will then be able to better contain the risk."

Bornavirus optimally adapted to the field shrew - Maithenbether report mouse holes

Many concerned Maitenbether also contact the Mühldorf health department for advice.

The questions revolve mainly around shrews, reports director Benedikt Steingruber.

"There were also individual indications from the population that there are more mouse holes in some places." The authority passed this information on to the research association.

Employees of the health department are often on site, providing information and staying in contact with the citizens.

In addition, the health department has set up a service point that citizens can contact with their questions

.

Two top researchers report to the

what is known about the contagion and symptoms of the Borna virus.

We answer the most important questions.