Key facts
- First human Shamonda virus case reported in France.
- Patient diagnosed with Shamonda virus later died.
- Authorities see no immediate risk to the public.
French health authorities have reported the first detection of the Shamonda virus in a human patient, who subsequently died. The virus, primarily affecting livestock, has been identified in cattle, sheep, and horses across several European nations. Authorities have indicated that there is no perceived risk to the general population at this time. The Shamonda virus, an orthobunyavirus, is transmitted by biting midges and can cause symptoms in animals such as fever, lethargy, reduced milk production, and birth defects. In France, the virus has been detected in cattle in 51 departments, with new cases reported in Landes and Haute-Vienne as of October 13. Cases have also been confirmed in Jersey, the UK, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Belgium.