Three men in Germany died from what is suspected to be caused by a virus from animals, reports said.
All three men were breeders of variegated squirrels, a native species found in southern Mexico and Central America and brought to Europe as exotic pets, as stated in the findings by Martin Beer of Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut in Germany and his colleagues.
How the virus transfers from animal to human is unclear but at least two of the men were scratched or bitten by the squirrels, according to family members.
Within a two-year period, the men developed encephalitis and exhibited symptoms such as weakness, chills and later on confusion and difficulty in walking.
They were hospitalized and sent to the intensive care units, but died within four months.
Researchers were puzzled as the initial tests came out negative for encephalitis. However, through a genetic test on one of the animals, researchers found a previously unidentified virus, which is now called the variegated squirrel 1 bornavirus (VSBV-1).
With further studies, researchers also found that antibodies against the virus were found present in the bloodstream and spinal fluid on one of the patients, suggesting that it may have caused the fatal brain inflammation.
The new virus belonged to a class of viruses known as bornaviruses, which is commonly found in horses, birds and sheep. It has been a subject of debate whether the virus can be transmitted to humans.
However, researchers noted that there is no definite proof that the encephalitis was indeed caused by the virus. They acknowledge that more studies should be done.
In the meantime, scientists are still working to understand the squirrel virus better. European health officials are also advising people not to come in close contact with dead or living variegated squirrels just to be on the safe side.
The findings appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine.
