HealthDVM360

France reports first human case of livestock pathogen Shamonda virus

A severely immunocompromised patient in France has died from Shamonda virus, marking the first ever recorded human case of the livestock disease.

A severely immunocompromised patient treated in Lyon died in early October. Investigators suspect the patient was bitten by an infected Culicoides midge in a region where the virus circulated in cattle this summer.

The Long Sip
What happened

A patient in Lyon, France has died after contracting Shamonda virus, a midge-borne livestock pathogen, in what officials say is the first ever documented human case.

The detail

The patient was severely immunocompromised and investigators believe they were bitten by an infected Culicoides midge in eastern France, where the virus had been circulating in cattle.

What it means

French officials and the WHO stress that based on current knowledge, no public health risk to the general population has been identified, and investigations are continuing.

For you

French health officials and the WHO say there is currently no identified public health risk to the general population, but investigations into transmission routes are ongoing.

Full story at DVM360

What readers are saying

Gordy
The health ministries mentioned that the patient had brain complications most likely linked to the virus before passing away. It is unusual since livestock usually only show mild signs or reproductive issues from it.
charlie67
Authorities stated there is no public health risk to the general population.
kevvie52
first time in humans after decades in animals.
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