Shamonda Virus: First Confirmed Human Infection Ends in Death in France

Confirmed in France Shamonda virus primarily affects cattle, sheep and goats and was previously thought not to infect humans. However, French authorities have reported the first confirmed human infection, and the patient has died.

The French government says there is currently no risk to the general public based on available knowledge about the pathogen. Health authorities are continuing to investigate the case.

Shamonda virus case reported in Lyon

The case occurred in Lyon. Authorities believe it was exceptional because the patient, who died earlier this month, had severe immunosuppression.

“The neurological complications observed before death in the immunocompromised patient were most likely related to Shamonda virus infection,” the official statement said.

How Shamonda virus may spread to humans

Preliminary evidence suggests that the patient was infected through an insect bite. Small gnats known as midges are the main transmission route between animals.

Shamonda virus was first identified in Nigeria in the mid-1960s. Sporadic infections have since been reported in livestock in Africa and Japan, as well as in other regions. Cattle are considered the main host because infected animals can develop visible symptoms. Sheep and goats can also become infected, although no obvious clinical signs have been recorded in these animals.

Symptoms and effects in livestock

After an animal is bitten by a chironomid carrying Shamonda virus, the incubation period is 2 to 3 days. Symptoms in animals can include fever, diarrhea and reduced milk production.

In pregnant cows, infection can cause abortions and severe calf deformities.

No Shamonda virus vaccine is currently available

There is currently no vaccine for Shamonda virus. Prevention and control measures therefore rely on insecticides and repellents. French public health authorities say the case was exceptional because the patient was severely immunocompromised. Based on current evidence, there is no need for the general public to panic.

Shamonda virus spreads among livestock in Europe

Several European countries remain on alert because the region was considered free of the virus until a few months ago. During the summer, a new variant called Shamonda europaea was detected in livestock in Switzerland.

Cases have since been confirmed in Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Liechtenstein, Italy and Spain.

According to the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, two genetically distinct types of the virus—Shamonda type 1 and Shamonda type 2—have been identified in Europe. In early September, both types were confirmed at livestock farms in 37 departments across France.