First Human Case of Shamonda Virus Detected in France

French authorities have confirmed the first known human case of the Shamonda virus (Shav), identified in a patient who died in early October. Officials described the case as "exceptional" and occurring in a "severely immunocompromised patient," adding that there is currently no perceived risk to the public.

The Shamonda virus primarily affects cattle and is known to spread via infected midges. While it has also been found in sheep, goats, alpacas, and horses, human infections were previously unknown. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is monitoring the situation and investigating how the virus transmitted to a human.

Preliminary findings suggest the patient contracted the virus through a midge bite in eastern France, where animal cases were first observed in the spring. The patient was being treated for a serious illness in a Lyon hospital and experienced neurological complications believed to be "very likely linked" to the virus. Their weakened immune system likely made them more vulnerable.

Historically, the Shamonda virus was considered non-transmissible to humans, despite circulating for decades in Africa and Asia. In dairy herds, Shav infection can lead to fever, diarrhea, and reduced milk production.

The ECDC is collaborating with French and European partners to assess the potential public health implications of this infection. The first cases of the virus in Europe were reported in late July and have since been detected in farm animals across several countries, including Ireland, Germany, Italy, and Spain, as well as Jersey. The case has also been reported to the World Health Organization.