WHO reports first human infection with Shamonda virus in France; patient dies
The World Health Organization has confirmed the first human death caused by the Shamonda virus in France. The patient was immunocompromised, and health authorities are currently investigating the transmission routes of the virus, which typically affects livestock.
Why it matters
This marks a rare zoonotic spillover event, prompting global health surveillance to determine if the virus poses a broader public health risk.
Join our Whatsapp channel Geneva [Switzerland], October 22 (ANI): The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday (local time) reported the first documented case of human infection with the Shamonda virus in France, with the patient, who was immunocompromised, dying after the infection. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared the information in a statement on X, expressing condolences to the patient's loved ones and noting that the virus had previously been detected only in animals. "France has reported the first documented case of a human infection with Shamonda virus, a virus previously detected only in animals. The patient was immunocompromised, which made them more vulnerable to infection and severe disease, and unfortunately died. My heartfelt condolences to their loved ones. Shamonda virus primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and horses.
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