French health authorities have reported the first confirmed human case of the Shamonda virus (Shav), involving a patient who passed away in early October.
Officials described the incident as an “unusual occurrence in a patient with severely weakened immunity” and emphasized that there is no current threat to the general public.
Shav primarily targets cattle and is transmitted by infected midges. While cases have also been documented in sheep, goats, alpacas, and horses, human infections were previously unknown.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) stated it is keeping a close watch on the situation, with investigations ongoing into how the virus reached a human host.
According to France’s health and agriculture ministries, the patient likely acquired Shav through a midge bite in eastern France, where animal cases were first detected during the spring.
The individual was hospitalized in Lyon for a critical illness and developed neurological issues believed to be “highly probable” consequences of the virus, based on initial assessments.
The statement highlighted that the patient had a compromised immune system, which significantly increased susceptibility to severe illness.
Up until now, the Shamonda virus was believed not to spread to humans,” the statement added, noting that despite its long presence in Africa and Asia, no human cases had ever been recorded.
Cattle herds infected with Shav through bites may develop fever, diarrhea, and reduced milk yield.
The ECDC stated it is collaborating with French and other European partners to assess the possible public health consequences of the infection.
The initial cases of the virus in Europe were detected towards the end of July, according to the agency. Since then, the virus has been found in livestock across multiple countries, including Ireland, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Jersey.
The situation has also been communicated to the World Health Organization.
Leave a Reply