France Reports First Human Shamonda Virus Case in Deceased Patient

French health authorities have reported the first documented human infection with Shamonda virus. The patient, who was severely immunocompromised and receiving treatment for a serious neurological condition in Lyon, died in early October.

Authorities were notified of the infection on October 7. France’s public health agency says the virus was detected in several biological samples. Investigators are still examining how the patient became infected and whether the virus contributed to the death.

A bite from an infected Culicoides midge—a small, fly-like insect—is currently the leading transmission hypothesis, according to Santé publique France. The patient may have been exposed in eastern France, where the virus had been detected in animals. Officials say they are also examining other possible sources.

Shamonda virus is an orthobunyavirus known to affect animals, including cattle, sheep and goats. It has also been detected in horses. In animals, it is thought to spread mainly through bites from midges. The World Health Organization says information about human disease remains limited because this is the first documented case.

France’s public health agency says no human-to-human transmission or risk to the general population has been identified so far. Investigations are continuing, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control says it is monitoring the situation with French authorities.

The case is an unusual detection, not evidence of a wider outbreak among people. WHO says there are currently no treatments or vaccines for Shamonda virus.