WHO chief reports first human case of animal-borne Shamonda virus in France

• The patient, who was severely immunocompromised, resided in an area where the virus circulated among livestock and has died
• Shamonda virus primarily infects animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses
• WHO is coordinating with French health authorities to assess transmission routes, the exact source of infection, and potential public health implications

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on Thursday that France has reported the first documented case of a human infection with the Shamonda virus.

The pathogen, which historically circulated exclusively among animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and horses, was detected in an immunocompromised patient who subsequently died.

Expressing condolences to the family, Dr. Tedros noted that the patient's compromised immune system heightened their vulnerability to infection and severe complications.

#France has reported the first documented case of a human infection with #Shamonda virus, a virus only previously detected in animals. The patient was immunocompromised, which made them more vulnerable to infection and severe disease, and unfortunately died. My heartfelt condolences to their loved ones. Shamonda virus primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and horses. The virus is thought to spread between animals by the bites of a midge, which is a small fly-like insect. Further studies are needed to fully understand transmission. The French patient was in an area where the Shamonda virus was circulating in animals and where Culicoides midges were also present. @WHO is in contact with French authorities who are collecting information to better understand the source of infection in the first human patient, possible routes of transmission and any potential risk to public health.

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) October 22, 2026

The Shamonda virus is primarily transmitted between animals via bites from Culicoides midges, a species of small flying insects, according to WHO.

The patient was located in an area where the virus had been active among livestock populations alongside the presence of the midge vector.

WHO officials confirmed they are actively collaborating with French public health authorities to gather further epidemiological data, determine the exact route of exposure, and evaluate whether the incident poses any broader threat to global public health.