France reported the first documented case of human disease caused by the Shamonda virus. This virus primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and horses.
The World Health Organization confirmed that death. Further, it said that it is in touch with the French authorities and is closely monitoring the situation.
France has reported the first documented case of a human infection with Shamonda virus, a virus only previously detected in animals.
The patient was immunocompromised, which made them more vulnerable to infection and severe disease, and unfortunately died. Shamonda virus primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and horses.
The virus is thought to spread between animals by the bites of a midge, which is a small fly-like insect. Further studies are needed to fully understand transmission.
The French patient was in an area where the Shamonda virus was circulating in animals and where Culicoides midges were also present.
Further it is worth mentioning here that, WHO is in contact with French authorities who are collecting information to better understand the source of infection in the first human patient, possible routes of transmission and any potential risk to public health.
On 20 October 2026, France reported the first documented case of human disease caused by the Shamonda virus. This virus primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and horses.
WHO is in touch with the French authorities and is closely monitoring the situation.
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— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) October 22, 2026
