BREAKING: Rare virus alert in Europe:The threat of a deadly disease looms - the deadly Borna virus

Experts have recently raised concerns about the potential spread of a "very rare" disease that could be deadly and is known to cause inflammation in the brain, drawing parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

In a chilling announcement, German health authorities reported a new case of Borna disease, a rare neurological syndrome also known as “Sad Horse Disease.” Originating from the Borna disease virus (BDV), this highly lethal disease primarily affects warm-blooded animals. Although it is extremely rare, the virus was first identified in Germany in the late 19th century and has only reappeared sporadically since then.

 

In Bavaria, two additional human cases have been reported over the past three years. The infection often leads to severe brain inflammation, resulting in near-certain death. Survivors, while rare, typically suffer from long-term complications, according to the British Daily Express.

 

Germany reports an average of two cases annually, but experts suggest the actual number may be underreported, potentially reaching up to six cases per year. In 2021, Bavaria’s State Office for Health and Food Safety reported seven cases of Borna disease across Germany, with five concentrated in Bavaria.

 

BDV viruses, categorized into types 1 and 2, can affect a wide range of mammals beyond humans, including horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, and foxes. In 1995, BDV-1 was isolated from infected cats in Sweden, with later cases found in Japan and the United Kingdom.

 

Individuals infected with Borna disease virus may develop meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. The UK Health Authority warns that although meningitis can affect anyone, it is most common in infants, young children, adolescents, and young adults. Without prompt treatment, meningitis can lead to life-threatening blood poisoning, permanent brain damage, or nerve impairment. Fortunately, several vaccines are available to help protect against brain infections.

 

Scientists believe BDV transmission occurs via nasal exposure to contaminated saliva or nasal secretions. Researchers have also noted possible links between BDV infection and mental health disorders. In 1990, antibodies to a protein encoded by the BDV-1 genome were detected in the blood of patients with behavioral disorders, suggesting a possible connection between the virus and certain psychological conditions.