First Human Case of Shamonda Virus Confirmed in France After Patient Death in Lyon
The death of the first human infected with the Shamonda virus has been confirmed by France. This virus, which primarily affects cattle, sheep, and goats, was once thought to be non-transmissible to humans. The incident took place in Lyon, where the individual succumbed earlier this month following severe immunosuppression. Neurological issues were likely associated with the virus, which was contracted through an insect bite. Initially identified in Nigeria during the mid-1960s, sporadic livestock infections have been noted across Africa and Japan. With no vaccine available, prevention measures depend on insecticides. Following the identification of a new variant, Shamonda-Europe, in Switzerland, several European nations, including Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Liechtenstein, Italy, and Spain, are now on high alert.
Key facts
- France confirmed the first known human infection with Shamonda virus, in a patient in Lyon who died earlier this month
- The patient was severely immunocompromised, and officials called the case exceptional with no risk to the general public
- The virus was first identified in Nigeria in the mid-1960s and affects cattle, sheep, and goats
- The biting midge is the primary route of transmission between animals, and the patient was likely infected by an insect bite
- A new variant, Shamonda-Europe, was detected in Swiss livestock this summer, with cases later found in Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Liechtenstein, Italy, and Spain
- Spain's agriculture ministry reports Shamonda Type 1 and Type 2 circulating in Europe, with both confirmed in early September on farms in 37 French provinces
- No vaccine exists; prevention relies on insecticides and repellents
- Virologist Ben Brennan of the University of Glasgow and David Roiz of Spain's Institute for Game and Wildlife Research both cautioned against drawing premature conclusions
Entities
Artists
- Ben Brennan
- David Roiz
Institutions
- University of Glasgow
- Institute for Game and Wildlife Research
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food
- WIRED en Español
Locations
- Lyon
- France
- Nigeria
- Japan
- Switzerland
- Germany
- Austria
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Liechtenstein
- Italy
- Spain
- Africa
- Europe