Shamonda virus, the livestock pathogen detected in human for the first time | Explained

In a rare occurrence, the first human case of the Shamonda virus (Shav) has been identified in an exceptionally immunocompromised patient who tragically passed away in early October, according to French officials. Health authorities clarified that there was presently no threat to the general public. Shav predominantly impacts cattle, and transmission to humans through midge bites had never been documented before.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is diligently monitoring the situation and is actively investigating the viral transmission route. It is believed that the patient contracted Shav via a midge bite in eastern France, where animal cases were initially detected in the spring. The patient, receiving treatment for a serious ailment in a Lyon hospital, exhibited neurological complications, which the authorities suspect were strongly linked to the virus based on preliminary findings.

Interestingly, Shav was previously deemed non-transmissible to humans, despite being detected in animals across Africa and Asia for decades. Dairy herds afflicted with Shav, transmitted through midge bites, may suffer from fever, diarrhea, and diminished milk production. The ECDC is collaborating with French and European partners to investigate the possible public health ramifications of this infection.

The virus was initially identified in Europe in late July and has subsequently been detected in farm animals in various countries, encompassing Ireland, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Jersey. The case has also been reported to the World Health Organization.