Overview

• Two men in Pfaffenhofen, Bavaria, tested positive for Bornavirus, with one fatality and the other in intensive care after developing severe encephalitis.
• The Pfaffenhofen district office and the Bavarian Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit are collaborating with the Robert Koch-Institut and Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut to investigate possible infection pathways.
• Bornavirus (BoDV-1) is carried by field shrews and transmitted via their excretions, causing nearly always fatal brain inflammation without any specific treatment or vaccine.
• Annual human infections remain rare—up to seven cases reported nationwide—with most occurring in southern and eastern Germany, prompting advisories to use gloves, masks and avoid contact with shrew habitats.
• An online information event on June 5 will feature Landrat Albert Gürtner and Dr. Merle Böhmer to answer community questions and provide practical guidance on reducing infection risks.