In brief
French authorities confirmed the first human case of Shamonda virus (Shav) in early October, when an immunocompromised patient died. The patient was believed to have contracted the virus from a midge bite in eastern France. While the disease primarily affects livestock, the case signifies the first cross‑species transmission to a human. Health agencies are monitoring the situation but see no current risk to the public.
In early October, French authorities confirmed the first human case of the Shamonda virus (Shav), a disease normally confined to livestock, resulting in the patient's death.
The patient, a severely immunocompromised individual treated in a Lyon hospital, is believed to have contracted the virus from a midge bite in eastern France where animal cases had emerged in spring.
Shamonda virus, which spreads via infected midges, has caused fever, diarrhoea and reduced milk production in cattle, and has been reported in sheep, goats, alpacas and horses.
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization are investigating the potential public‑health implications, noting that it had previously been considered non‑transmissible to humans.
No current risk to the public is identified, but the case highlights the need for vigilance as the virus is now circulating in farm animals across several European countries.
