First human case of Shamonda virus, so far found only in animals, recorded in France

The first official human case of the Shamonda virus, which until now had been found only in animals, has been recorded in France. The news comes at a time when concern about new infectious diseases is already being voiced around the world.

The patient was being treated at a hospital in Lyon. Suffering from a serious illness, the patient was found to be infected with the virus. The patient died in early October. Whether the virus caused the death is still being investigated. The case has drawn the attention of the medical and health community to France.

The patient's immunity was extremely weak. While being treated for the serious illness, the patient developed neurological complications, that is, complications related to the nervous system. Medical tests carried out afterwards found the presence of the Shamonda virus. Authorities are examining the possibility that the infection came from an insect bite.

The virus has existed in animals for six decades. It was first identified in cattle in Nigeria in 1965. It was later recorded in parts of Africa and Japan. It is found mainly in animals such as cows, sheep, goats and horses, and so it was not considered infectious to humans until now. The spread of the virus among livestock was also seen in Europe in 2026.

The question of whether ordinary people are at risk naturally arises. France's health authorities have begun monitoring the situation after the case. According to the information currently available, no risk to the health of the general public has been found. No evidence has yet emerged of the virus passing from one person to another.

A study is under way into how exactly the infection occurred and what effects it can have on the human body. The World Health Organization is also keeping watch on the case.