France has reported the first known human infection of the Shamonda virus, a pathogen previously documented only in animals.
Health officials said the patient, who was immunocompromised, died after becoming infected.
Here's what to know
World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared on social media last week that the person who died had been in a place where the virus was circulating in animals and midges, the tiny biting flies that can transmit it.
"The patient was immunocompromised, which made them more vulnerable to infection and severe disease, and unfortunately died," Ghebreyesus wrote.
ABC News reported that the range of potential symptoms and health effects associated with the Shamonda virus in humans is yet unknown, since this is the first documented case in a person.
According to the World Organization for Animal Health — or WOAH — the Shamonda virus in animals can lead to fever, diarrhea, reduced milk production, and reproductive problems.
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This first human case could prompt public health agencies to expand surveillance, testing, and source-tracing.
More background
In recent months, cattle in parts of Europe have tested positive for the Shamonda virus, which was first isolated in the 1960s in Nigerian cattle. The virus has also been reported in horses, alpacas, sheep, and goats.
One case in a person does not indicate a broader human outbreak, but detecting it in a person for the first time requires health agencies to determine whether it was an isolated spillover event or something that could happen again.
Information about the spread of this virus is variable, the WOAH explained. Reliable evidence depends on a country's capacity for surveillance, diagnosis, and publication of information.
With limited information available, it is difficult to assess how severe the virus may be in humans. It is unclear whether the Shamonda virus poses a broader risk to the general public.
What's being done?
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, officials are continuing to investigate how the patient became infected.
The response includes documenting the case, tracing the likely exposure, and comparing it with animal data.
"We are clearly dealing with a case that is unprecedented from a scientific and virological point of view," Gregory Emery, head of France's health directorate, told reporters.
Where can I learn more?
Cases like this are a reminder that animal-borne viruses can spread through insects, jump species, and create new public health concerns:
• At Denver Zoo, cross-species COVID-19 transmission created an unusual challenge for animal caretakers.
• In Europe, the Oropouche virus pushed governments onto high alert.
• Across poultry farms, avian flu outbreaks have disrupted flocks and food supplies.
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