Shamonda virus has been linked to the first known human infection in France, where a severely immunocompromised patient died after contracting the livestock-associated virus.3 min readNew DelhiOct 22, 2026 08:58 PM IST First published on: Oct 22, 2026 at 08:44 PM IST ShareWhatsapptwitterFacebookThe UN's World Health Organization said it was in contact with French authorities about the outbreak. (Representational photo/ Reuters)AI Narration Listen 00:000.5x0.75x1x1.25x1.5x2xThank you for your feedback.Your feedback has been reported succesfully.A first known human case of the Shamonda virus, which is usually found in livestock, was reported in France on Thursday after the patient diagnosed with the infection died, with authorities stating that there was no risk to the general population at this stage.Reports stated that the patient in whom the virus was detected was severely immunocompromised and was being treated for a serious illness in Lyon. The French government, in a statement, has said that it suspects the patient was bitten by a midge that was carrying the virus in eastern France, where it had circulated among animals in spring and summer this year. HEALTH · EXPLAINERWhat is Shamonda virus, and what are the risks?EXPLAINERWhat is Shamonda virus?France has reported the first known human case, in a patient who died. The livestock virus reached Europe this year, decades after it was first detected in Nigeria.1965first detected, in Nigerian cattleLate Julyfirst identified in Europe>12European countries with cases by Oct 201known human case, in France 01 · WHAT IS IT?A virus carried by biting midgesIt is transmitted by biting midges and mainly affects cattle.ANIMALS IN WHICH INFECTIONS HAVE BEEN FOUNDCattleMAINLYSheepGoatsHorsesAlpacas Shamondathis virus SAME GROUP Schmallenbergcauses reproductive disorders in livestock02 · WHERE HAS IT SPREAD?From Nigeria to Europe NIGERIA, 1965FRANCEGERMANYSPAINIRELANDPARTS OF AFRICAPARTS OF ASIA 1965First detected in cattle in Nigeria; later found in parts of Africa and Asia.LATE JULYFirst identified in Europe. France says it was likely circulating there since spring.BY OCT 20Cases in more than a dozen European countries; only France, Germany, Spain and Ireland are named.03 · THE RISK TO ANIMALSWhat it does to livestockSYMPTOMSFeverDiarrhoeaReduced milk productionSYMPTOMS SERIOUSMORE SERIOUS COMPLICATIONSAbortionsSevere foetal malformationsNeurological disorders in some horsesThe World Organisation for Animal Health says the long-term impact of the European variants remains uncertain.04 · THE RISK TO HUMANSOne case, in a vulnerable patientMidge bite suspectedeastern France Patient in Lyonseverely weakened immune system Brain complicationsvery likely linked, French authorities saidThe patient, who was being treated for a serious illness, died. Investigations into the infection and death are continuing.WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATIONAn isolated human case, unlikely to lead to wider spread at this time, based on current information.ISOLATED CASE WIDER SPREAD05 · ITS CURRENT STATUSNot on the official watch listsNot listed by WOAHCountries are not required to notify the animal health body under its disease-specific reporting rules.NOT LISTEDNot listed under EU animal health lawSo it is not subject to EU disease-specific mandatory surveillance.NOT LISTED Available data may not give a complete picture of its spread.Grid is illustrative: faded squares stand for cases that may go unreported. PLAY ALLINTROWHATWHEREANIMALSHUMANSSTATUSPlays automatically. Tap a chapter to replay it and stay on it, or Play all to resume.Sources: Reuters (Paris, Oct 22), citing French authorities, the World Health Organization and the World Organisation for Animal Health. Map: Natural Earth.Express InfoGenIECreated by Aniruddha Dhar“This is therefore an exceptional case involving a severely immunocompromised patient,” the French health ministry said, adding that no public health risk has been identified for the general public to date. An AP report added that Shamonda virus, until now, was considered incapable of infecting humans.#France has reported the first documented case of a human infection with #Shamonda virus, a virus only previously detected 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. The virus is thought to spread between animals by the bites of a midge, which is a small fly-like insect. Further studies are needed to fully understand transmission. The French patient was in an area where the Shamonda virus was circulating in animals and where Culicoides midges were also present. @WHO is in contact with French authorities who are collecting information to better understand the source of infection in the first human patient, possible routes of transmission and any potential risk to public health.— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) October 22, 2026WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, informing about the virus, wrote in a post on X, “France has reported the first documented case of a human infection with Shamonda virus, a virus previously detected only in animals. The French patient was in an area where the Shamonda virus was circulating in animals and where Culicoides midges were also present.”The WHO chief further said, “WHO is in contact with French authorities who are collecting information to better understand the source of infection in the first human patient, possible routes of transmission, and any potential risk to public health.”AdvertisementLoading Recommendations...AdvertisementLive BlogJailer 2 Box Office Collection Day 7 Updates: Allu Arjun reviews Rajinikanth-starrer, film set to record its lowest single-day collection14 minutes agoWorld News Today Live Updates: Hamas preparing for another war, has no intention to disarm, Israel tells US42 minutes agoIndia News Highlights, 22 October 2026: Neha Bora tells Delhi High Court she needs no permission to hoist flag1 hour agoIndia Vs New Zealand Live Score, 1st T20I: IND beat NZ by 4 wickets and take 1-0 lead in Christchurch3 hours agoWorld News Today Live Updates: Iran’s Pezeshkian says it has ‘no trust’ in US’ sincerity on peace24 hours agoAdvertisement