The Shamonda virus, which is mostly seen in cattle in France, was detected in a human for the first time, prompting health authorities in Europe to take action.
French health authorities announced on Thursday, October 22 that the virus, which had not been detected in humans before, was detected in a person who was being treated for a serious illness.
While it was stated that the patient died at the beginning of October, it was emphasized that it is not yet known whether the death was directly caused by the Shamonda virus.
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) announced that investigations into the case detected in France are continuing.
The institution stated that the patient was being treated for another serious illness and that his immune system was highly vulnerable to infections.
In the statement of ECDC, it was stated that investigations are continuing to determine whether the virus caused the death of the patient or had an effect on the death.
In addition, epidemiological investigations are being carried out to determine how the patient contracted the virus.
WHAT IS SHAMONDA VIRUS, HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?
Shamonda virus is known as a virus that is mostly seen in cattle and is transmitted through small blood-sucking flies.
According to the data of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), the virus was detected in horses, alpacas, sheep and goats, as well as cattle.
It is stated that small flies belonging to the Culicoides genus play a role in the spread of the virus among animals.
It is considered that in the first human case in France, transmission may have occurred through insect bites.
However, research on the mechanism of transmission to humans has not yet been completed.
French health officials consider the possibility that the patient caught the virus in the east of the country.
Shamonda virus was detected in livestock in the region in question in the spring and summer months.
While authorities evaluated that the patient may have been bitten by an infected insect, they reported that studies are continuing to determine the exact source of contamination.
SPREAD TO MANY COUNTRIES IN EUROPE
Shamonda virus, first identified in Nigeria in the mid-1960s, has been associated with infections in animals for many years.
In Europe, the presence of the virus was confirmed for the first time in late July 2026 by genetic analysis in samples taken from sick cattle in the south of Germany, Switzerland and east of France.
According to the weekly animal health monitoring bulletin published in France, the virus was later detected in Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom's Jersey Island.
The effects of Shamonda virus on the livestock industry are also being investigated.
In an examination of nine dairy farms in France, it was determined that milk production in herds affected by the virus decreased by up to 75 percent.
Symptoms such as fever, weakness, diarrhea and decrease in milk production may be observed in infected animals.
Experts state that the effects of the virus on animal health and agricultural production need to be investigated in more detail.
IS THERE A VACCINE AGAINST SHAMONDA VIRUS?
According to the statement of the World Organization for Animal Health, there is currently no commercially available vaccine against Shamonda virus.
For this reason, it is important to monitor the disease in livestock farms, fight against insects that may carry the infection, and report suspicious cases to veterinary units.
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control announced that it is closely monitoring the developments after the first human case in France.
The institution stated that it is in contact with French authorities and relevant organizations in Europe to assess possible public health impacts.
French health authorities emphasized that, according to current scientific data, no health risk has been detected for the general population at this stage.
Research continues to answer questions about the disease that the virus can cause in humans, its modes of transmission, and whether it is fatal.
