What to Know About Shamonda Virus Following the First Reported Human Infection
A severely immunocompromised patient in Lyon has died after a confirmed Shamonda virus infection, the first reported human case. Authorities describe it as exceptional, and experts say it is too early to know whether the virus contributed to the patient’s death or how readily it can infect people.
Shamonda virus has mainly been found in livestock and is spread between animals by biting midges. A variant detected in Switzerland this summer has since been identified in several European countries; France confirmed both known types on farms in 37 provinces in early September. There is no vaccine, so animal control relies on insecticides and repellents.
In short
- Lyon recorded the first reported human Shamonda virus infection.
- The patient was severely immunocompromised.
- Livestock infections have spread across several European countries.
Explained simply
Shamonda virus is an animal virus in the orthobunyavirus group. It has mainly been found in livestock and is spread between animals by biting midges, small insects that feed on blood.
The virus has two known types, and one was detected in Switzerland this summer before being found in other European countries. France has confirmed both types on farms; there is no vaccine, so measures to limit spread in animals include insecticides and repellents.
Human infection has not previously been reported, and experts do not yet know how readily the virus can infect people. The patient in Lyon was severely immunocompromised, so it remains unclear whether the infection contributed to their death.
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