France reports deadly Shamonda virus detected in a human for the first time
A human case reported
The leading hypothesis is that infection occurred in eastern France. The virus had been circulating among animals there during spring and summer 2026, according to the report.
Virus detected in animals
The Orthobunyavirus was first identified in Nigeria in the mid-1960s. Since then, it has been found sporadically in animals in Africa and Japan. This year, the virus has spread among several European countries. Laboklin, a veterinary diagnostics laboratory, reported its first detection in Germany in August and said it had also been found in France, Switzerland and Austria.
Animal health concerns
Infected cattle have had documented abortions, and authorities raised concern that infection during pregnancy could cause congenital abnormalities. The virus has also been detected in sheep, goats, horses and alpacas.
There is currently no vaccine available, Laboklin reported. The human case is notable because the virus had previously been considered unable to infect people, while authorities say there is no general-population risk at this stage.
Key points
- The first reported human case involved a patient who later died.
- Authorities said there is no current risk to the general population.
- The leading theory points to infection in eastern France during 2026.
- The virus has been detected in several animal species and European countries.