First Case of Shamonda Virus in France (Credits: iStock)
\n\nFrance has reported the world's first documented human infection with the Shamonda virus, an insect-borne pathogen previously associated with livestock. The patient, who had a severely weakened immune system and was being treated for a serious underlying illness, subsequently died, prompting fresh questions about the virus and its potential to infect humans. However, French authorities have said there is currently no identified health risk to the general population.
\n\nAccording to Reuters, the infection was detected earlier in October 2026. Authorities believe the patient may have contracted the virus in eastern France, where it had been circulating among animals during spring and summer. The case is particularly notable because the virus had previously been considered non-transmissible to humans. Investigations are continuing to understand the circumstances surrounding the infection.
\n\nShamonda belongs to a group of viruses called Orthobunyaviruses and was first identified in Nigeria in the mid-1960s. It has historically been detected sporadically in animals in parts of Africa and Japan. In 2026, a related Shamonda virus variant emerged in several European countries, including France, Germany and Switzerland.
\n\nThe virus is primarily associated with cattle and is transmitted by tiny biting midges belonging…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/delhi
