The Chamunda virus records the first human infection and causes the death of the infected person.. Should we be worried?

On Thursday, France recorded the first known human case of the “Shamonda” virus. The patient died, but the World Health Organization indicated that this case is considered isolated so far, and does not pose a wider danger to the general public.

The organization stated in a post on social media that it is “in contact with the French authorities and closely monitoring the situation,” stressing that it will share any developments as soon as additional information becomes available.

Here's what we know about the Chamunda virus so far:

The virus mainly infects livestock

Chamunda virus was first identified in livestock in Nigeria in 1965, according to the World Health Organization.

Although it is most commonly observed in cattle, cases have also been reported in sheep, goats, horses and alpacas.

According to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), infected animals may exhibit clinical symptoms including fever, diarrhea, and decreased milk production. The virus may also cause birth defects in newborn calves.

The virus was recently detected in Europe

Most cases of Chamunda virus infection have been recorded in Africa and Japan.

In the summer of this year, the virus was detected for the first time in Europe, specifically among livestock in southern Germany and Switzerland.

Since then, it has also been spotted in animals in other areas of Western Europe, including Austria, Belgium and France.

It is transmitted through insect bites

The virus is transmitted to animals through the bite of a small, fly-like insect called Culicoides midge. The World Health Organization indicated that there is a need for more studies to determine the exact species responsible for transmitting the virus.

The virus is not known to be transmitted directly between animals, except through transmission from an infected mother to her fetus during pregnancy.

Chamunda virus is classified in the genus Orthobunyavirus and belongs to the Simbu subgroup, which also includes Schmallenberg virus.

According to the World Organization for Animal Health, outbreaks of viruses belonging to this group “often occur in cycles that follow seasonal patterns of activity of these insects.”

But patterns in Europe may differ from those in areas where the virus is endemic.

The risk of the virus to humans is considered low

French authorities suspect that the person infected with the Chamonda virus was bitten by an insect that carried the virus.

But health officials said further investigations are needed to confirm how the person became infected, and to find out whether the virus caused or contributed to his death.

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control reported that the patient was receiving treatment for a serious illness that made him more vulnerable to infection than the general population.

For its part, the World Organization for Animal Health stated that Bunyaviruses vary in their ability to infect humans, and explained: “Specific risk assessments should be conducted to determine the necessary biosafety and biocontainment measures when dealing with infectious materials in the laboratory.”

Limited monitoring operations

The World Organization for Animal Health encourages countries to voluntarily report cases of Chamunda virus infection, but this is not mandatory.

Laboratory tests are also required to confirm infection in animals, as clinical symptoms may be similar to symptoms of other diseases.

There are currently no treatments or vaccines available for Chamunda virus.