1st human case of livestock virus Shamonda reported in France
French health authorities have reported the first human case of the Shamonda virus, a livestock disease typically transmitted by midges. Officials emphasize that the case is isolated and poses no risk to the general population, as the patient had a severely compromised immune system.
Why it matters
This unprecedented human infection highlights the potential for zoonotic diseases to cross species barriers, necessitating continued monitoring by global health organizations.
Authorities say there is no risk to the general population at this stage. It is suspected that the victim was bitten by a midge carrying the Shamonda virus in eastern France, where it had circulated among animals this spring and summer, the government said in a statement.
The man had been hospitalized in Lyon with an unrelated serious disease, a French health ministry official told reporters.
The victim was a man in his 60s living in the Lyon area, local newspaper Le Progres reported.
The UN's World Health Organization said it was in contact with French authorities about the outbreak.
"Based on current information and knowledge of the transmission of closely related viruses, this is an isolated human case and it is unlikely to lead to wider spread at this time," said the Geneva-based WHO, which co-ordinates responses to international public health issues and emergencies.
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France Confirms First Human Case of Livestock Virus
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