22.10.2026 14:00
The Shamonda virus, which until now has been detected only in animals in France, has been identified in a human for the first time worldwide. The patient receiving treatment in Lyon, whose immune system was severely weakened, has died.
The Shamonda virus, known until now to have been seen only in animals in France, has been detected in a human for the first time. While the death of the patient receiving treatment in the city of Lyon drew attention, French authorities announced that the virus's role in the death is being investigated and that at this stage no health risk has been identified for the general population.
SEEN IN A HUMAN FOR THE FIRST TIME
The French Ministry of Health announced that the Shamonda virus was detected in a person receiving treatment for a serious illness at Hospices Civils de Lyon Hospital in the city of Lyon and whose immune system was severely suppressed.
It was stated that the patient, who died at the beginning of October, is the first case worldwide in which the virus has been documented in a human.
The Ministry emphasized that there is no record of the virus, which has been circulating among animals in Africa and Asia for decades, having previously been transmitted to humans.
HOW THE PATIENT WAS INFECTED IS BEING INVESTIGATED
French authorities are focusing on the possibility that the patient may have caught the virus as a result of being bitten by an infected insect in the east of the country.
It is assessed that the virus is transmitted through Culicoides species biting midges, which play a role in its spread among animals.
While it was noted that brain-related complications seen before the patient's death may be linked to the virus, it was reported that clinical, biological and epidemiological investigations are continuing in order to establish its exact role in the death.
SPREAD TO MANY COUNTRIES IN EUROPE
The Shamonda virus, first identified in Nigeria in the mid-1960s, was seen in animals in various regions of Africa and in Japan for many years.
In the summer of 2026, the virus, detected in Europe for the first time, emerged in livestock farms in Germany, Switzerland and other European countries, as well as France.
It is known that the virus, which particularly affects cattle, can cause symptoms in animals such as fever, diarrhea, loss of appetite and a decline in milk production.
"NO RISK HAS CURRENTLY BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR THE PUBLIC"
The French Ministry of Health drew attention to the fact that the first human case being seen in a patient with a severely weakened immune system is an exceptional situation. The authorities emphasized that, in line with current findings, there is no identified health risk for the general population.
While it was stated that the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control have also been informed of the development, it was reported that research into the possible effects of the virus on human health is ongoing.