First Human case of Shamonda virus reported in France as patient dies
First Human case of Shamonda virus reported in France as patient dies
France has reported the first documented human infection with Shamonda virus, a pathogen previously detected only in animals, after an immunocompromised patient died from the infection.
In a statement on Thursday, October 22, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus expressed condolences to the patient’s family and said the individual’s weakened immune system increased their vulnerability to the infection and severe illness.
“The patient was immunocompromised, which made them more vulnerable to infection and severe disease, and unfortunately died. My heartfelt condolences to their loved ones,” he wrote.
Shamonda virus primarily affects livestock and other animals, including cattle, sheep, goats and horses.
The virus is thought to spread between animals through the bites of Culicoides midges, small fly-like insects that can transmit certain animal pathogens.
Ghebreyesus said further research was necessary to establish a clearer understanding of how the virus spreads.
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“Shamonda virus primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and horses. The virus is thought to spread between animals by the bites of a midge, which is a small fly-like insect. Further studies are needed to fully understand transmission,” he added.
According to Ghebreyesus, the patient had been in an area where the virus was circulating among animals and where Culicoides midges were also present.
“The French patient was in an area where the Shamonda virus was circulating in animals and where Culicoides midges were also present,” he further said.
Ghebreyesus confirmed that the organisation was in contact with French officials as investigations continued.
“WHO is in contact with French authorities who are collecting information to better understand the source of infection in the first human patient, possible routes of transmission and any potential risk to public health,” he concluded.
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