A 'very rare' but fatal disease has been detected in Germany and experts have warned of a potential new breakout.
The German health authorities have issued a warning as the disease known as Borna could cause inflammation in the brain.
As the Express reports, this fatal illness comes from the Borna Disease Virus (BDV) and is an infectious neurological syndrome affecting warm-blooded animals. It is also known as sad horse disease.
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While it is fatal, the disease is very rare, having only been detected in humans a handful of times after it originated in Germany in the late 1800s.
Most recently, Germany announced on Tuesday that a person from the district of Muhldorf am Inn was infected with Borna after only two other cases of the virus affecting humans were reported in Bavaria over the past three years.
Borna disease viruses come in two types of variants (BDV-1 and BDV-2) and can affect a range of animals with it being previously detected in horses, cattle, sheep, dogs and foxes.
Patients who have been infected with Borna could end up with meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
BDV can cause an inflammation of the brain after infection, leading to death in almost all cases, while those who did survive the virus were left to suffer long-term damage.
According to the NHS, Meningitis “can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults".
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Scientists believe the transmission of Borna viruses occurs through the intranasal exposure of contaminated saliva or nasal secretions.
Fortunately, a number of vaccinations are available which can offer some protection against the brain disease.
