What is the Shamonda virus?: France Reports First Human Case

France has reported the first known human case of Shamonda virus, a livestock virus never before confirmed in people. A severely immunocompromised patient treated in Lyon died in early October 2026. Officials believe an infected midge bit the patient in eastern France. The case comes in the same year the virus appeared in Europe for the first time.

What is the Shamonda Virus?

Shamonda virus (also spelled Shamounda) is an orthobunyavirus spread by biting midges. It mainly affects cattle and is related to Schmallenberg virus, which causes reproductive problems in livestock. Until now, it was not thought to infect humans.

Shamonda Virus: The October 2026 Human Case

1. Patient: Severely immunocompromised and being treated for a serious illness in Lyon.
2. Cause: A midge bite in spring or summer, when the virus was circulating among local animals.
3. Outcome: Serious neurological problems, then death in early October. Authorities say the virus was very likely responsible, but investigations continue.
4. WHO view: An isolated case, with person-to-person spread highly unlikely and no risk to the general public.

Where Has Shamonda Virus Spread?

The virus was first identified in Europe in late July 2026, though France says it was likely circulating since spring. By 20 October, these countries and territories had reported cases:

• Austria
• Belgium
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• Italy
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• Portugal
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Jersey

How Does the Shamonda Virus Risk Animals?

Cattle are the main host. Infected animals show fever, tiredness, watery diarrhoea and a sudden fall in milk yield. In pregnant animals, it can cause abortion, stillbirth and severe birth deformities. Sheep, goats, alpacas and horses can also be infected. In Germany and Switzerland, the virus was found in the brain tissue of horses with unexplained nervous disease.

History of Shamonda Virus

1. 1965: First isolated from cattle in Nigeria.
2. Later decades: Occasional detections in parts of Africa and Asia, including Japan.
3. Late July 2026: First identified in Europe.
4. Summer 2026: Spread quickly through livestock in France, Germany, Switzerland and Jersey.
5. October 2026: First human case reported in France.

Treatment and Prevention of Shamonda Virus

There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for humans or animals, so control depends on reducing midges.

• Remove standing water, liquid manure and other breeding spots.
• Use insecticides, fine-mesh nets and good barn ventilation.
• Keep pregnant or high-risk animals indoors at dusk and night.
• In affected areas, use insect repellent and wear long sleeves.