France Reports First Human Case of Livestock Virus Shamonda

France has reported the first documented human infection with Shamonda virus, which primarily affects livestock. The patient, who had a severely weakened immune system and was receiving treatment for a serious illness, died in early October

The French agriculture and health authorities announced the case on October 22. The patient was being treated at Hospices Civils de Lyon. Investigations are continuing to determine how the infection occurred and whether the virus contributed to the death.

How Was the Patient Infected?

Authorities suspect the patient contracted the virus through a bite from a Culicoides midge in eastern France, where Shamonda had circulated among animals during spring and summer

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is monitoring the situation with French authorities and European partners. The World Health Organization (WHO) is also working with France to investigate the infection and assess possible public health implications.

What Is Shamonda Virus?

Shamonda is an orthobunyavirus transmitted by biting midges. It mainly affects cattle but has also been detected in sheep, goats, horses and alpacas. Infected animals can develop fever, diarrhea, weakness and reduced milk production. Some infections have also been associated with reproductive problems.

The virus was first identified in cattle in Nigeria in 1965. It circulated in parts of Africa and Asia before being detected in European livestock for the first time in 2026. Animal infections have since been reported across several European countries.

Until this case, no human infection had been documented. French authorities describe it as an exceptional case involving a severely immunocompromised patient. Investigators are still examining the transmission route, and there is currently no evidence establishing human-to-human spread.