In brief
A French patient who died in early October has been confirmed with the first known human case of the Shamonda virus, a disease that has long been restricted to livestock. Health officials say the patient had a severely weakened immune system and that the virus likely entered through a midge bite. While no public risk has been identified, European health agencies are monitoring the situation closely. The incident marks a rare spill‑over event that could prompt further surveillance of the virus in the region.
The first known human case of the Shamonda virus (Shav) was confirmed in a patient who died in early October, French authorities said.
Health officials described it as an exceptional case in a patient with severe immune compromise, and there is presently no risk to the general public.
Shamonda virus mainly attacks cattle and spreads via infected midges; it has also affected sheep, goats, alpacas, and horses, but has never before infected humans.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is monitoring the situation and investigating how the virus crossed to humans.
The patient likely contracted the virus from a midge bite in eastern France, where animal cases have been identified since spring.
She was being treated at a Lyon hospital for a serious illness and later developed neurological complications that were strongly linked to the virus.
Prior to this, Shamonda virus was considered non‑transmissible to humans, having circulated in Africa and Asia for decades without human cases.
Infected dairy herds can suffer fever, diarrhea, and reduced milk yield.
The ECDC is working with French and European partners to assess public health implications.
European cases were first identified in late July, with infections reported in farm animals across Ireland, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Jersey.
The case has been reported to the World Health Organization.
