It was seen in a human for the first time! Critical statement from WHO about 'Shamonda virus'

World Health Organization (WHO) Spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said at the weekly press conference of the United Nations (UN) Geneva Office, "It has been reported that the first human case of the Shamonda virus, which has been seen in animals to date, has died in France. What is the latest situation about this virus? How dangerous a virus are we facing? Is the contact between WHO and the health authorities in France continuing on this issue?" He answered the question in writing.

'WE ARE CLOSELY FOLLOWING'

Noting that France reported this case to WHO within the scope of the International Health Regulations, Lindmeier said, "WHO is closely monitoring the situation and sharing information with countries through the International Health Regulations, as well as with its partners in the field of animal health, the UN World Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). In order to better understand this first documented human case of Shamonda virus disease, WHO collected data on the source of infection, possible transmission routes and potential risks to public health." "He is in contact with the authorities," he said.

'IT HAS NEVER BEEN DETECTED IN HUMANS BEFORE'

Recalling that Shamonda virus infection has not been detected in humans before and that this is the first documented human case, Lindmeier suggested, "In general, people can take precautions to protect themselves against the bites of flies and other insects, especially in hot and humid seasons, by using 'insect repellents' applied to the skin or by wearing clothes that cover the skin."

Underlining that WHO has not yet made an official risk assessment against Shamonda, Lindmeier stated that, based on available information and data on the transmission patterns of closely related viruses, it can be said that this is an individual human case and is not expected to cause wider spread for now.

'SPREAD POTENTIAL IS DECREASING'

Lindmeier emphasized that the potential for spread of viruses transmitted by flies generally decreases in the cooler months of the year. Pointing out that French authorities reported the first case of Shamonda virus infection in a person living in the east of the country, Lindmeier said, "According to French authorities, the patient developed cerebral (brain-related) complications thought to be related to the Shamonda virus. Again, according to the authorities, the patient's immune system was suppressed, which may have made the person more vulnerable to infection and the severe course of the disease. The patient was in an area where the Shamonda virus circulates among animals and 'Culicoides' genus flies are also found." "Possible transmission routes are still being investigated." he said.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In the statement made by the French Ministry of Health, it was stated that Shamonda virus infection was detected in a patient who was treated in a hospital in Lyon at the beginning of the month.

In the statement, it was stated that it was accepted that the virus had not been transmitted to humans to date and that the case in Lyon was "the first time the virus was detected in a human and reported to the public."