France has reported the first documented case of a human infection with the Shamonda virus, which had previously been detected only in animals, according to the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The patient, who was immunocompromised and therefore more vulnerable to infection and severe disease,…...
France has reported the first documented case of a human infection with the Shamonda virus, which had previously been detected only in animals, according to the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The patient, who was immunocompromised and therefore more vulnerable to infection and severe disease, has died, Tedros disclosed in a statement shared on social media.
“My heartfelt condolences to their loved ones,” he said.
Shamonda virus primarily affects animals, including cattle, sheep, goats and horses. It is believed to spread among animals through the bites of Culicoides midges, small fly-like insects.
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The patient was reportedly in eastern France, where the virus had been circulating among animals and Culicoides midges were present. French authorities are investigating the possible route of transmission, with a midge bite considered the leading hypothesis.
Tedros said the WHO was working with French authorities to establish how the infection occurred and assess its potential implications for public health.
“Further studies are needed to fully understand transmission,” he noted, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether other cases could emerge.
Despite the fatal case, French health authorities have said that no risk to the general population has been identified based on current knowledge. Investigations into the infection and the circumstances surrounding the patient’s death are continuing.