Shamonda virus detected in a human for the first time in France: Patient has died

The Shamonda virus, which is mostly seen in cattle, has been detected in a human for the first time in France; the patient, who was being treated for a serious illness, passed away in early October.

The Shamonda virus, previously seen only in cattle and certain other animals, has been detected in a human for the first time in France. According to a statement made by French health authorities on Thursday, October 22, the virus was identified in a person who was already under treatment for another serious illness. It was reported that the patient passed away in early October, but it has not yet been confirmed whether the death was directly caused by this virus. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) announced that investigations are ongoing regarding the case in the immunocompromised patient.

The Shamonda virus, identified in Nigeria in the mid-1960s, is transmitted through small midges of the Culicoides genus. According to data from the World Organisation for Animal Health, the virus can affect cattle, horses, alpacas, sheep, and goats, and it is considered that the first human case in France may have been transmitted via an insect bite. Authorities are focusing on the possibility that the patient may have contracted the virus in the eastern part of the country, while research into the mechanism of transmission to humans continues.