France reports world's first case of human infection with Shamonda virus
French health authorities have confirmed the world's first human infection of the Shamonda virus, which resulted in the death of an immunocompromised patient in Lyon. While the virus is typically found in animals, officials state there is no current risk to the general population.
Why it matters
This is a significant medical milestone as it marks the first documented human case of a virus previously known only to affect livestock, prompting international notification.
PARIS – French health authorities announced Thursday the world's first documented case of human infection with the Shamonda virus. The patient died in early October. No health risk to the general population has been identified to date.
The Shamonda virus is transmitted to animals by biting midges of the genus Culicoides. First detected in Nigeria in the mid-1960s, the virus has been sporadically reported in cattle in West, East and Southern Africa, as well as in Japan. Despite circulating in Africa and Asia for several decades, no human infection had been officially documented until now.
Headlinne story · 8 newsrooms
France Confirms First Human Case of Livestock Virus
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in