First Human Case of Shamonda Virus Reported in France
A severely immunocompromised patient in Lyon has died from the Shamonda virus, marking the first human infection of this livestock pathogen.
The first human case of Shamonda virus was reported in Lyon, France.
The patient, who was severely immunocompromised, likely contracted the virus from a midge bite.
Health authorities have stated there is no current public health risk associated with the virus.
In a significant health development, France has reported its first human case of the Shamonda virus, a pathogen primarily affecting livestock. The patient, who was severely immunocompromised, died in early October while receiving treatment at Hospices Civils de Lyon. French health and agriculture officials confirmed the case in a joint statement issued on October 22, highlighting that the virus had been circulating among cattle in the region during the summer months.
The investigation into the patient's infection suggests that they were bitten by an infected Culicoides midge, which is known to transmit the virus. This incident marks a notable shift, as the Shamonda virus had previously been deemed non-transmissible to humans. The ministries stated that this case represents the first documented instance of the virus infecting a human, following decades of its circulation in Africa and Asia without any reported human infections.
Prior to their death, the patient experienced neurological complications, which health officials believe were linked to the Shamonda virus. The French ministries emphasized that, based on current understanding, there is no identified risk to the general public. They have notified the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and potential transmission routes.
The Shamonda virus, first identified in Nigeria during the mid-1960s, has been sporadically reported in cattle across various regions, including West, East, and Southern Africa, as well as Japan. Its recent detection in Europe, particularly in French cattle farms, raises concerns about its spread. Cattle are the primary hosts, and there have been sporadic cases in small ruminants and equids in France this summer.
Looking ahead, health authorities are conducting clinical, biological, and epidemiological investigations in collaboration with experts in animal, human, and environmental health. The WHO is actively engaged with French authorities to gather more information on this unprecedented case and assess any potential implications for public health.
