World’s First-Ever Human Infection of Bovine ‘Shamonda Virus’ Detected

In a world first, a human infection of the Shamonda virus has been detected in a patient in Lyon, France. The patient passed away in early October while undergoing medical treatment. Until now, the virus was known to affect livestock and other animals. On Thursday, October 22, World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared the update in a post on X. The WHO is coordinating with French authorities to investigate the source of infection, potential transmission routes, and any public health implications.

According to French authorities, the individual was severely ill with a significantly compromised immune system and suffered neurological complications before passing away. An investigation is ongoing to determine whether the Shamonda virus directly caused the death. The Shamonda virus primarily infects animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses, spreading among them through biting midges of the Culicoides species. How the virus entered the human host remains unconfirmed, though initial hypotheses suggest the individual spent time in an area with known animal cases and present Culicoides midges.

The WHO emphasised that further research is required to fully understand the virus and evaluate its potential impact on human health. Investigations remain active to clarify the origin, potential transmission pathways, and any broader public health risks. Initial assessments by French authorities indicate no significant health risk to the general public at present. However, investigations continue to determine the virus’s transmission dynamics and overall impact conclusively.