French health authorities announced the detection of the first documented human case of Shamonda virus (Shav) in a patient who died in early October. The individual was severely immunocompromised and was being treated for a serious underlying illness at a Lyon hospital when complications arose that officials determined were very likely linked to the virus based on preliminary investigation.
Shamonda virus has historically been a disease affecting livestock, particularly cattle, with transmission typically occurring through infected midges. Cases have also been documented in sheep, goats, alpacas, and horses across Africa and Asia over decades, but human infection had never been previously recorded. The virus was thought to circulate in animal populations without transmitting to people until this case occurred.
French health and agriculture ministries indicated the patient likely contracted the virus through a midge bite in eastern France, where animal cases were initially identified in the spring. The patient experienced neurological complications during hospitalization, with the patient’s weakened immune system noted as a contributing factor to severe illness.
International health organizations including the World Health Organization and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control stated they were monitoring developments. The WHO indicated the case appeared isolated and unlikely to spark broader transmission, citing current knowledge of similar midge-borne viruses and noting that such pathogens typically show reduced transmissibility during cooler months. The ECDC confirmed it was collaborating with French and European partners to investigate public health implications.
European animal cases of Shamonda virus were first identified in late July and have subsequently been detected in farm animals across multiple countries including Ireland, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Jersey.
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