Shamonda virus detected in human for first time

The Shamonda virus, which had previously occurred only in animals, has been diagnosed in a human for the first time worldwide, according to French authorities. The affected patient was immunocompromised and died in early October at a hospital in Lyon. According to medical reports, there is a suspected link between the viral infection and the patient's death, though this has not yet been fully established.

The Shamonda virus has been circulating in Europe since early summer according to multiple sources and spreads via mosquitoes. Cattle farms in Austria have also been affected, where the virus has already been detected. The virus is thus present in several European countries.

French health authorities gave the all-clear to the public after the case became known. At present, there is no health risk to the general population. The WHO and experts assess the spread of the virus in humans as unlikely.

The Shamonda virus was initially considered non-transmissible to humans. The case in France therefore represents an exceptional situation that has attracted attention among experts. Particular focus is being placed on immunocompromised individuals, for whom a risk assessment has been conducted.

The virus had mainly affected livestock such as cattle and horses. Now the French case shows that transmission to humans is possible under certain circumstances. How the virus was transmitted to the deceased patient remains part of the ongoing investigations.