France reports first human case of Shamonda virus
A severely immunocompromised patient in Lyon died after the insect‑borne virus first detected in animals was found in a human.
22 Oct 2026 0 reads Compiled with AI
#Shamonda virus #France #Culicoides midge
French authorities confirmed that a severely immunocompromised man in Lyon died in early October after the insect‑borne Shamonda virus was detected in his body. The case marks the first time the virus, which had only been known to infect animals, has been reported in a human. The patient was receiving treatment for a serious illness at the Hospices Civils de Lyon. Authorities say the infection was most likely acquired through a bite from a Culicoides midge in eastern France.
Virus origins and spread
Shamonda is an insect‑borne Orthobunyavirus belonging to the Simbu serogroup. The virus first appeared in Europe in the summer of 2026, spreading to cattle farms in France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and other countries. In cattle it causes fever, diarrhoea, reduced milk production, and can lead to abortions. The virus is closely related to Schmallenberg, which was first discovered in Germany in 2011.
Investigations by the French health and agriculture ministries, the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control are still underway to determine whether the virus caused or contributed to the patient’s death and to trace the route of transmission. The ministries say no health risk to the general population has been identified. The patient’s death is considered an exceptional event involving a severely immunocompromised individual.
The outbreak has been documented across 51 French departments and several European countries. Infected animals show symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea and a drop in milk yield, and in some cases abortions. Although the disease is not fatal in cattle, it can affect productivity. No vaccine or antiviral treatment is currently available for Shamonda.
Experts believe that higher temperatures in Europe may have helped the virus reach the continent, and climate change could allow similar vector‑borne viruses to spread further. Ongoing surveillance is needed to protect livestock and prevent future human cases.