The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that a human case of Shamonda virus has been reported in France in October 2026. The virus, primarily affecting animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses, was first detected in cattle in Nigeria in 1965. Since then, it has been found in several countries in Africa and Japan. The WHO is working to understand the implications of this new development.
The Shamonda virus is believed to spread through the bites of midges, tiny fly-like insects that can carry the virus from one animal to another. In 2026, the virus was detected in Europe for the first time, including in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, and France. The European detections began in June 2026, in cattle in southern Germany and Switzerland.
According to the WHO, the patient who contracted the virus was already seriously ill and experienced additional, brain-related symptoms that were considered to be linked to the Shamonda virus. The organization is still gathering information on the disease in humans, as only one case has been reported so far. The patient's condition and the circumstances surrounding the infection are being closely monitored.
Scientists are working to understand how the virus may affect people and how it spreads. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for Shamonda virus. Further studies are needed to understand which exact arthropod species are involved in its transmission. The virus is not known to transmit directly from animal to animal, other than during pregnancy when an infected animal can transmit the virus to the fetus.
The detection of the virus in Europe has raised concerns about the potential for further human cases. The WHO is working with European health authorities to monitor the situation and provide guidance on the risks and precautions that can be taken. The organization is also working to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the virus and its potential implications.
The Shamonda virus has been reported in animals in several European countries, including dairy cows and horses in western Europe. The virus was detected in cattle in southern Germany and Switzerland in June 2026, and since then, it has been found in Austria, Belgium, and France.
The WHO has emphasized that more research is needed to understand the virus and how it spreads. The organization is working to coordinate international efforts to study the virus and develop guidance on its risks and implications.
Key points
- The Shamonda virus, primarily affecting animals, has infected a human in France, marking the first known case in medical history.
- The virus is believed to spread through the bites of midges, tiny fly-like insects that can carry the virus from one animal to another.
- Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for Shamonda virus, and more research is needed to understand the virus and how it spreads.
