The first known human case of Shamonda virus was reported by France on Thursday. The patient died, but the World Health Organization says this is an isolated case so far and there is no wider risk to the general public.
WHO is “in contact with French authorities and closely monitoring the situation,” the agency said in a social media post, and plans to share updates as it learns more.
Here’s what we know about the Shamonda virus.
Shamonda virus was first identified in cattle in Nigeria in 1965, according to the WHO.
It is most commonly reported in cattle, but cases have also been reported in sheep, goats, horses and alpacas.
Infected animals may show clinical signs, including fever, diarrhea and reduced milk production, according to the World Organization for Animal Health. The virus can also cause birth defects in newborn calves.
Most cases of Shamonda virus have been identified in Africa and Japan.
It was detected for the first time in Europe this summer, in cattle in southern Germany and Switzerland. Since then, it has also been identified in animals in other parts of Western Europe, including Austria, Belgium and France.
The virus is transmitted to animals through the bite of a Culicoides midge, a small fly-like insect. The WHO says further study is needed to understand the exact species involved.
It is not known to spread from animal to animal, except from an infected animal to its fetus during pregnancy.
Shamonda virus is classified as an Orthobunyavirus; It belongs to the Simbu subgroup, which also includes the Schmallenberg virus. Outbreaks caused by this group “tend to occur in cycles following midge seasonal patterns,” according to WOAH. But trends in Europe may differ from those seen in places where viruses are endemic.
French authorities suspect that the person carrying the Shamonda virus was bitten by a midge carrying the virus.
But health officials say further investigation is needed to confirm how the person became infected and understand whether the virus caused or contributed to their death.
The patient was receiving treatment for a serious illness that made him more susceptible to infections than the general population, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.
“Bunyaviruses vary in their ability to infect humans,” explains WOAH. “Specific risk assessments should be carried out to determine both the biosafety and biocontainment measures required for handling infectious materials in the laboratory. »
WOAH encourages countries to voluntarily report Shamonda virus cases, but this is not mandatory.
Laboratory tests are also needed to confirm infection in animals, as clinical signs may resemble those of other diseases.
There is currently no treatment or vaccine for Shamonda virus.
Gn Health
