French health and agricultural authorities have confirmed the first known human infection of the Shamonda virus (Shav), following the death of a patient in early October. The individual, who was being treated for a severe underlying illness at a hospital in Lyon, suffered from neurological complications that officials believe were very likely linked to the virus.
According to a joint statement from the ministries, the patient was severely immunocompromised, which increased their vulnerability to the infection. Officials currently suspect the virus was transmitted via a midge bite in eastern France, a region where the virus was first detected in livestock earlier this spring. Authorities have emphasized that there is no current risk to the general public.
Historically, the Shamonda virus has been documented primarily in cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas, and horses, with outbreaks occurring over several decades in Africa and Asia. Until this incident, the virus was considered non-transmissible to humans. In livestock, the disease typically manifests through fever, diarrhea, and reduced milk production.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with French and European partners to assess potential public health implications. While the virus was first identified in Europe in late July, it has since been detected in farm animals across several nations, including Germany, Italy, Spain, and Ireland, as well as in Jersey. The case has been formally reported to the World Health Organization as investigations into the transmission route continue.
