Deadly Shamonda virus detected in human for first time in France

Deadly Shamonda virus detected in human for first time in France The virus had until now been considered non-transmissible to humans, the French government said - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in The deadly Shamonda virus has been identified in a human patient for the first time, French health authorities said on Thursday, adding that they saw no risk to the general population at this stage. The insect-borne virus primarily affects livestock, particularly cattle, and is transmitted by biting midges. It has until now been considered non-transmissible to humans, the French government said. The leading hypothesis is that the patient, who later died, may have been infected in eastern France, where the virus had been circulating among animals during spring and summer 2026. First identified in Nigeria in the mid-1960s, the Orthobunyavirus has since been detected sporadically in animals in Africa and Japan. It has been spreading among several European countries this year. More follows... Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] BREAKING NEWS