First Human Case of Shamonda Virus Reported in France After Livestock Pathogen Spreads Across Europe

France has reported the first known human infection with the Shamonda virus. The patient was severely immunocompromised, received treatment at the Hospices Civils de Lyon for a serious illness, and died in early October. Investigations are underway to determine whether the virus caused or contributed to the death, and how the patient acquired the infection. French authorities suspect the patient was bitten by a Culicoides midge in eastern France. The specific insect responsible has not been identified. The virus belongs to the genus Orthobunyavirus and the family Peribunyaviridae, and it is part of the Simbu group alongside Schmallenberg virus and Akabane virus. It was first isolated from cattle in Nigeria in the mid-1960s. Before the recent case, it was only known as an animal pathogen. Cattle are its main hosts, but infections also affect sheep, goats, horses, and alpacas. Livestock symptoms include fever, diarrhoea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and reduced milk production, while pregnant animals can experience abortions and congenital abnormalities. In Europe, two distinct variants have been identified in 2026: Shamonda virus Europe 1 and Shamonda virus Europe 2. The virus spreads primarily through the bites of infected midges. The World Organisation for Animal Health states there is no evidence of direct spread between animals, though vertical transmission from pregnant animals to offspring has been reported. French authorities and the World Health Organization state that no public health risk to the general population has been identified, and wider spread is considered unlikely. The prevalence of the virus in humans remains unknown, and there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission. There are currently no commercially available vaccines or specific treatments for human infection.

Context

The Shamonda virus is a vector-borne pathogen that primarily affects farm animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. The detection of a human case in France highlights how animal viruses can occasionally cross over into human populations, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. Health agencies continue to monitor such developments through a combined approach that tracks both animal and human health.