In France, the Shamonda virus, which until now was believed to be found only in animals, has been detected in a human for the first time. The infection was identified earlier this month in a patient receiving treatment at a hospital in the city of Lyon, and the case was officially reported.
In a statement issued by the French Ministry of Health, it was noted that the virus was not previously known to be transmissible to humans. It was reported that authorities are focusing on the possibility that the deceased patient may have contracted the virus through the bite of a Culicoides midge.
Officials stated that, in light of current information, the Shamonda virus does not pose a risk to public health. However, it was reported that monitoring and research are ongoing, as this case marks the first recorded instance of the virus appearing in humans.
The Shamonda virus was first identified in Nigeria in the 1960s. It was noted that the virus, which has been seen in cattle in Africa and Japan in subsequent years, was reported in animal cases on the European continent for the first time this year.
It is stated that the virus is mostly seen in cattle, as well as in animals such as sheep and goats. Symptoms in animals include diarrhea, lethargy, and fever.
News Source: 12punto
