France reports first Shamonda virus case in human who later died

You are viewing content from Q Belfast 96.7/102.5. Would you like to make this your preferred location?

Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 12:16

The first human case of the Shamonda virus has been detected in France in a person who later died, according to authorities.

It is thought they may have been infected in the east of the country, where it had circulating among animals during the spring and summer this year.

The virus normally affects livestock and until now it had been considered non-transmissible to humans, the French government said.

Authorities said there is currently no risk to the general population.

Shamonda virus is an insect-borne virus that has been found in animals.

It is believed to be primarily spread by Culicoides biting midges and mainly affects cattle.

It was first identified ‌in Nigeria in the mid-1960s and has been detected in animals in Africa and Japan intermittently since.

More from Sky News:
North Korea plans to resume propaganda broadcasts along border
Three more arrests over police officer shooting

The virus has been spreading among several European countries this ⁠year.

Shamonda virus was detected in cattle in Jersey in August this year, according to the Animal and Plant Health Agency, and showed clinical signs consistent with those seen elsewhere in Europe.

"This confirms the virus is present in the British Isles and in close proximity to Great Britain, highlighting the potential for further spread across north-west Europe", said the UK government.

Sky News