First Human Case of Shamonda Virus Reported in France
A severely immunocompromised patient in France has been identified as the first human case of the Shamonda virus, with no public health risk detected.
The Shamonda virus has been found in a human for the first time, linked to a patient with severe health issues.
Health authorities confirm there is no current risk to the general population.
The virus, previously detected in livestock, has now spread to 14 European countries.
On October 22, 2026, French health authorities announced the first human case of the Shamonda virus, which primarily affects livestock. The patient, who was severely immunocompromised, passed away earlier this month. This unprecedented case has raised concerns, but officials have stated that there is no identified health risk to the general public at this time.
The Shamonda virus, part of the Orthobunyavirus group, has circulated in Africa and Asia for decades without being detected in humans. The French Health and Agriculture Ministries indicated that the virus was first identified in Europe during the summer of 2026, specifically in cattle farms across France. The patient is believed to have contracted the virus from a midge bite in eastern France, where the virus was present in local animal populations.
Preliminary findings suggest that the neurological complications experienced by the patient before death are likely associated with the Shamonda virus infection. However, the ministries emphasized that clinical, biological, and epidemiological investigations are still ongoing to better understand the situation.
Since its discovery in Nigeria in the mid-1960s, the Shamonda virus has been reported in cattle across various regions in Africa and Japan. Following its detection in Europe in late July, the virus has now been confirmed in 14 western European countries, raising awareness among health officials. While cattle are the primary hosts, sporadic cases have also been noted in smaller livestock and horses in France this summer.
As investigations continue, both the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control have been informed of the developments. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and prevent any potential outbreaks.
