- French health officials have verified the first documented human case of the Shamonda virus following the death of an infected individual in early October.
- Authorities believe the patient likely acquired the virus via a midge bite in eastern France, with neurological issues suspected to be connected to the infection.
- The ECDC is currently examining the case, though officials emphasize that there is no present danger to the general population.
Harry Ivan Mboto serves as a Current Affairs and Politics Editor at .co.ke, reporting on political developments and global news. With five years of journalism experience, he began his role at .co.ke in 2024.
French health authorities have announced the first confirmed human case of the Shamonda virus (Shav), linked to the death of a patient undergoing treatment for a severe illness in early October.
As reported by BBC, officials labeled the infection an “exceptional instance in a severely immunocompromised individual,” noting that the broader public remains unaffected at this time.
The Shamonda virus mainly targets cattle and spreads through bites from infected midges—tiny flying insects. While cases have also been observed in sheep, goats, alpacas, and horses, human infection was previously undocumented.
Information regarding the individual who succumbed to the Shamonda virus
Initial assessments by France’s health and agriculture departments indicate the patient likely acquired the virus following a midge bite in eastern France, an area that had previously seen animal infections earlier in the year.
The individual was hospitalized in Lyon for a severe pre-existing condition and subsequently developed neurological issues. Authorities stated that these complications were “very likely” connected to the viral infection.
Officials highlighted that the patient’s compromised immune system may have contributed to their heightened susceptibility to the virus.
“The Shamonda virus was previously believed not to be transmissible to humans,” officials noted, pointing out that despite its long presence in Africa and Asia, it had only ever been found in animals.
Has the Shamonda virus been present in Africa and Asia?
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is collaborating with French and other European agencies to determine how the infection occurred and to evaluate any broader public health risks.
As per ECDC, the Shamonda virus has historically been regarded as non-transmissible to humans, with detection limited to animal hosts despite its prolonged circulation across Africa and Asia.
The case has also been communicated to the World Health Organization (WHO).
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