France confirms first human Shamonda virus infection; patient died
Authorities say there is no risk to the wider public at this stage; the ECDC is monitoring the situation.
French authorities have reported the first known human infection with the Shamonda virus. The patient later died, officials said, while stressing that "at this stage there is no risk to the wider public."
What is the Shamonda virus?
The World Organisation for Animal Health describes the Shamonda virus as one transmitted by bites from small midges. It most commonly affects cattle but has also been detected in horses, alpacas, sheep and goats.
The French confirmation prompted the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to say it is closely monitoring the situation following the report of the first human case.
French health and veterinary agencies are coordinating investigations to establish how the person became infected and to assess any possible exposure to others. So far, authorities maintain the risk to the general population remains low.
Experts note that Shamonda has primarily been an animal disease, and public health steps focus on surveillance of livestock and insect vectors while authorities gather more information about the human case.
Photo: AP)
