“France reports first human case of Shamonda virus as patient dies”

Key points

• France confirmed the world’s first documented human Shamonda virus infection in an immunocompromised patient who died in early October.
• The case is described as exceptional and there is no current public health risk cited for the general population.
• Shamonda virus (Shav) mainly affects cattle and is spread via Culicoides midges; human cases were previously unheard of.
• WHO and ECDC are monitoring; authorities are investigating the infection source and transmission pathway.
• French authorities suspect midge bite in eastern France as a possible infection route; investigations continue.