Shamonda Virus Infects Human in France, WHO Monitoring Situation

A human infection caused by Shamonda virus has been detected in France for the first time, the World Health Organization has announced. The information was shared by WHO through a post on the social media platform X late at night. The French government reported the case on October 20, 2026.

The virus is known mainly as an animal pathogen. It affects cattle, sheep, goats and horses, and until now its presence had been confined to animal populations. The French case shows that the virus can also infect people, a finding that health experts are now studying closely.

The main route of transmission among animals is believed to be the bite of tiny flies known as midges. Direct spread from one animal to another is not considered typical. An important exception is pregnancy, since an infected animal may pass the virus on to the young it is carrying.

Scientists and officials have not yet determined how the human infection occurred. Whether the spread involved midge bites is still under examination. WHO and French health authorities are looking into this question in detail.

Shamonda virus has circulated among animals in several African countries and in Japan. Since June 2026, it has also been found in Europe, where cases in cattle and horses have been reported in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and France.

The human case in France adds a new chapter to this development. At present, it is considered an isolated case. WHO has stated that it is monitoring the situation closely, is in contact with French officials, and will provide further updates as more information becomes available.