ECDC Monitors First Ever Human Case of Shamonda Virus Infection in France

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is carefully monitoring the public health situation after French authorities announced the first ever reported human infection with Shamonda virus (SHAV). The virus, which has historically affected only animals, was identified in a severely ill patient in France, marking a novel development in European viral surveillance. ECDC is working in close coordination with French health authorities and European partners to investigate the potential public health implications of this case.

The single human infection reported to date occurred in a patient receiving treatment for a serious underlying illness, which rendered them significantly more susceptible to infections and related complications than the general population. The patient passed away in early October. Comprehensive investigations are currently underway to determine whether SHAV directly caused or contributed to the patient’s death, as well as to establish the precise route of acquisition.

Transmission Dynamics and Animal Outbreaks Across Europe

The human case follows the first detection of SHAV among European livestock during the summer of 2026. Clinical signs in farm animals were initially reported in June, leading to official identification of the virus in late July. Since then, SHAV has been detected in farm animals across multiple countries and territories, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and Jersey. Prior to its emergence in Europe, the virus had been identified in animal populations in other regions worldwide.

SHAV typically spreads among animals through bites from infected midges (Culicoides), though the specific midge species responsible for transmission in this human case remains under investigation. In Europe, biting midge activity generally peaks between spring and autumn, influenced by species type, location, and weather conditions. With seasonal temperatures currently declining across the continent, overall midge activity is decreasing, which may help limit potential vector-borne spread.

Public Health Infrastructure and Preparedness Measures

ECDC is maintaining close contact with the European Commission and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which oversees animal health and food safety throughout the European Union. The collaboration aims to ensure a unified cross-sectoral approach connecting human and veterinary health monitoring.

Supported by a robust public health infrastructure across the European Union, ECDC continues to assist Member States in strengthening their response planning and surveillance frameworks. In coordination with the relevant EU Reference Laboratory, the Centre is expanding testing capacity to support Member States in rapidly identifying and evaluating any additional potential cases.

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