France reports first human case of Shamonda virus in immunocompromised patient

A patient who died in early October has been identified as the first known human case of the Shamonda virus in France, health officials said on Thursday. The case involved a severely immunocompromised person who was being treated for a serious illness at a Lyon hospital. Authorities stressed that there is no current risk to the public and that the virus is not thought to spread from person to person.

Shamonda virus, known as Shav, primarily infects cattle and is transmitted by biting midges. It has also been found in sheep, goats, alpacas and horses. The virus has circulated for decades in Africa and Asia, but human infections have never been recorded until now. In Europe, animal cases first emerged in late July, and the virus has since been detected in livestock in Ireland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Jersey and other countries. The spread among farm animals prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to begin monitoring the situation closely.

French health and agriculture ministries said the patient likely contracted the virus from a midge bite in eastern France, where animal cases were first identified this spring. The patient developed neurological complications that investigators believe were “very likely linked” to the virus. WHO confirmed this as the first documented human infection and noted that, based on current knowledge of similar midge‑borne diseases, the case appears isolated and unlikely to trigger wider transmission. The agency added that midge activity and virus transmissibility typically decline during cooler months, reducing the chance of further spread. ECDC said it is working with French and European partners to assess any potential public‑health implications.

French authorities are now investigating how the virus crossed the species barrier and are urging continued surveillance of livestock and vector control measures. The WHO has not yet issued a formal risk assessment but will update guidance as more information becomes available. Health officials say the episode highlights the need for vigilance as climate change expands the range of insect vectors. Ongoing monitoring will determine whether additional human cases emerge or if the virus remains confined to animals.