France has reported the first known human case of the Shamonda virus, which primarily affects animals, particularly cattle. The patient died in early October, but French health authorities say no risk to the general population has been identified so far.
According to a joint announcement by France’s health and agriculture ministries, the patient was severely immunocompromised and had been receiving treatment in a Lyon hospital for a serious illness.
Although the virus has circulated in Africa and Asia for decades, no human cases had previously been recorded.
How the infection occurred
French authorities believe the patient was most likely infected by the bite of a Culicoides midge in eastern France, where the virus circulates among animals during spring and summer.
Investigations suggest that the neurological complications the patient developed before death were probably linked to the infection.
Authorities have stressed that this is an exceptional case and that current knowledge does not indicate a threat to public health. Clinical, laboratory and epidemiological investigations are continuing under the One Health approach, which recognises the links between human health, animal health and the environment.
The World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control have been informed of the case.
What is the Shamonda virus?
The Shamonda virus (SHAV) is an orthobunyavirus belonging to the Peribunyaviridae family and the Simbu serogroup. It is transmitted mainly by small, blood-feeding Culicoides midges.
The virus was first identified in Nigeria in 1965 and has since been reported sporadically in animals across West, East and Southern Africa, as well as in Japan.
During the summer of 2026, the virus was detected for the first time in livestock holdings in Europe, including France, attracting increased attention from veterinary and public health authorities.
Cattle are considered the main animal hosts. France also recorded sporadic infections in small ruminants and equines during the same summer.
Symptoms and transmission in animals
The virus is transmitted mainly through the bites of infected Culicoides midges. Their seasonal activity can influence the spread of the virus, particularly during warmer months.
In animals, infection may be associated with fever, diarrhoea, lethargy, reduced appetite and lower milk production. Reproductive complications, including miscarriages and foetal abnormalities, have also been reported, although the frequency and extent of these effects in the newly identified European variants remain unclear.
These symptoms are not specific to the Shamonda virus and can occur with other diseases. Laboratory testing is therefore necessary to confirm infection.
Does the virus pose a risk to humans?
The French case is the first known detection of the Shamonda virus in a human, according to the authorities. The patient’s severe immunosuppression makes it important to assess the findings carefully before drawing wider conclusions.
There is currently insufficient evidence to establish human-to-human transmission or widespread circulation of the virus among people.
French authorities say no risk to the general population has been identified, while investigations continue into how the infection occurred.
The case highlights the importance of monitoring infectious diseases that circulate between animals and insect vectors, as well as cooperation between veterinary and public health services. Further research is expected to improve understanding of the virus and its potential effects on human and animal health.
Also read: First human case of Shamonda virus detected in France
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