First human case of Shamonda virus detected in France, officials say
French health authorities have confirmed the first human case of the Shamonda virus, which typically affects livestock. The patient, who was severely immunocompromised, died in October, and investigations are ongoing to determine how the virus crossed the species barrier.
Why it matters
This represents a rare and concerning zoonotic transmission event that health agencies are monitoring for potential public health implications.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Shamonda virus mostly affects livestock, in whom it can cause fever, diarrhoea and poor milk production
The first known human case of the Shamonda virus (Shav) has been detected in a patient who died in early October, French authorities have said.
Health officials said it was an "exceptional case in a severely immunocompromised patient" and there was currently no risk to the public.
Shav is a disease that primarily affects cattle and can be spread by infected midges. Cases have also occurred in sheep, goats, alpacas and horses, but infections in people were previously unheard of.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said it was monitoring the situation and officials were still investigating how the virus had spread to a human.
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France Confirms First Human Case of Livestock Virus
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