The first known human case of the Shamonda virus (Shav) has been detected in France, according to health officials. The patient, who died in early October, was described as an "exceptional case in a severely immunocompromised patient." Authorities have stated that there is currently no risk to the public.
What is the Shamonda Virus?
Shav primarily affects livestock, particularly cattle, and can lead to symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, and poor milk production. While cases have also been reported in sheep, goats, alpacas, and horses, infections in humans were previously unheard of.
Investigation Underway
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is actively monitoring the situation. Officials are investigating how the virus spread to a human, with initial findings suggesting that the patient may have contracted Shav through a midge bite in eastern France. The health and agriculture ministries indicated that cases were first identified in animals in the spring.
